For just a few hours Saturday, all of the traditional rules of library etiquette will be suspended as the Soldotna Library Friends throw a party in the stacks to raise money for a matching grant.
Guests will eat food catered by Kenai-based Heavenly Delights and hear live music from local group The Spur Highway Spankers, all while bidding on art to raise money that will eventually be matched by the Rasmuson Foundation.
Several local artists contributed media to the auction. Five pieces will be part of a live auction and the rest will be part of a silent auction, said Soldotna Library Friends secretary Jeanette Pedginski.
The art auction turned fundraiser is the first of its kind for the friends organization, though Soldotna Librarian Rachel Nash said she’s seen similar events at other libraries.
“We have until June 30 to raise funds for a matching grant,” Pedginski said. “It’s a $100,000 community grant.”
So far, the group has about $22,0000, she said.
Tickets to the event are $50 and so far, 50 people have bought tickets in advance. They’re available at River City Books or by reservation at 907-394-6082 or 907 420-7088.
While it is not yet clear how the library will spend the funds, Nash said technology was at the top of her list.
“A lot of it depends on how much we earn,” Nash said. “But we’re going to look at all of the community’s needs. My first thoughts are that we could use some more technology, so more computers for patrons, because they are usually very, very busy. It just depends on how much we are able to meet that matching grant.”
The festivities will start at 7 p.m. and Nash said she was excited to show the community the library after-hours.
“Rather than coming to check out books, people will be coming to enjoy culture,” she said.
Reach Rashah McChesney at rashah.mcchesney@peninsulaclarion.com
Art by Doug Lindstrand “Prospector & Dog”
Art by Charles Wysocki “Apple Butter”
