PORT ALLEGANY — The S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library has had an amazing month and continues to hold even more events.
The 2023 Library Dinner Auction, held in November, raised more than $30,000, with more donations coming in weekly.
“We get these little notes that say, ‘Sorry I couldn’t make it this year, here’s my donation,’ and then there is a check enclosed,” said Library Director Mary Grace Collier-Kisler.
“This was the 34th year for the annual event; we didn’t even stop for COVID. It is our biggest fundraiser of the year. All the funds raised benefit our operational fund. Things like keeping the lights on and buying books. It’s great, we need to keep the heat on; we are a warming place for 2-1-1,” she added. Many libraries throughout the region serve as a warming/cooling center during periods of extreme cold/heat.
Collier-Kisler added, “And, under the umbrella of the operating fund is a separate account for technology, because that is so expensive. Keeping wifi free and software updated falls under the tech account. The small games of chance contributions are put to this separate fund.” Library programs do not fall under the operational fund and do not receive money from the event, the director noted.
Nothing would have been accomplished without the tireless volunteers of the library’s dynamic Auction Committee who spent six months planning, a week setting up the venue, and another day tearing everything down.
Collier-Kisler said, “It’s like a family affair; generations of volunteers work together on the Auction Committee. Some even come in from out of town to make the event each year.”
The committees, volunteers and library staff rolled out the red carpet for a Golden Hollywood themed event. Guests, decked out in suits and sequined dresses, and even Clark Kent/Superman, enjoyed bucket, silent and live auctions called by new-to-the-area auctioneer Scott Amundson of Amundson’s Auctions; small games of chance; live music by Alex Cole of Argentieri Brothers; appetizers from the Port Allegany Women’s Club, dinner catered by Eddies on Main, and dessert provided by Cindy Knapp. The glamorous event for library patrons over the age of 21 even included Dave Whipkey as bartender of “Oscar’s Oasis.”
“Almost all the services and food was donated to the event, which keeps the costs down for us,” Collier-Kisler said. Community members, school students, businesses and crafters all donated various items for the auctions. From pies, cakes and other baked goods to house cleaning services to a trip to North Carolina to a golf outing, and more.
“We are very fortunate to have such a supportive community,” Collier-Kisler said. “But more importantly, for me, I was happy to see so many people come out and have fun, support the library. You don’t have to be a library patron to attend. It’s great to raise the funding but it’s just as wonderful to see the community come together for a good cause.”
Upcoming fun for the communities of Port Allegany and Eldred boroughs as well as residents in Annin, Liberty and Eldred townships include a dropoff for letters to Santa and a visit with the big guy during Story Hour for the little ones.
First up, is there someone in your home that has a letter they want to send to Santa Claus? The elves dropped off the North Pole Mailbox at the library recently. Letters can be mailed to Santa until Dec. 16. Don’t forget to include the correct and legible address for a reply from the North Pole. Each letter sent to Santa will receive a reply.
Then from 10 to 11 a.m. Wednesday, the regularly scheduled Story Hour — a free early childhood program for children from infants to six-year-olds and their adults — will have a visitor. Santa Claus will be in attendance to spread holiday cheer and sit for a few photos. Registration is not necessary.
The library is located at 201 E. Maple St. For more information about any of the events or to make a donation, call (814) 642-9210.
