The year 2019 was a tremendous year for our Fundraising effort towards the Picton Library expansion. One of the wonderful aspects of this ongoing campaign is that it gives us the opportunity to offer even more exciting programming and events than usual. Here are some of the highlights of the past year, both events we’re proud to have hosted, and ones which were generously put on in our name by members of the community.
It seems a distant memory as we head into another winter, but the Renew online art auction was just a few months ago, back in April. We were floored by the generosity of artists from Prince Edward County and across Canada in donating their work for our cause. The launch party at the Drake Devonshire Inn was packed to capacity with Library patrons and art lovers, and the month-long auction was a great success and drew buyers from across the country and abroad.
In June we had the pleasure of hosting Dave Meslin as part of his book tour for Teardown: Rebuilding Democracy from the Ground Up. It was a timely read with the federal elections a few months away, and the well-attended event stirred up conversation about the nature of our electoral system and the many ways that we as citizens can be more involved in our democracy.
In September, Dave Hatch of Hatch Gallery put on an incredible afternoon of art and music featuring Kevin Hearn and Sarah Slean in a collaboration that those present will never forget.
Recently our second annual Night At The Library Gala lightened things up with comedy from Taste That! and music from the Frere Brothers. Comedy Night capped off National Library Month and our Love Your Library matching initiative, which in October alone raised over $120,000!
Now that we’re entering the season of giving, there are a few ways you can contribute.For a donation of $5 or more you can take home a Love Your Library lawn sign. This is a great way to show your support and maybe even inspire your neighbours to do the same!
We are also still selling replicas of the original 1863 Tremaine map of Prince Edward County; a fantastic gift for history lovers, or for anyone looking to spruce up their decorating with some local flavour. The map comes in two stunning options: on canvas for $250 and on vinyl for $120, and they’re available at our Picton and Wellington branches.
Finally, we’re excited to share that our Pop-Up Shop will be making a comeback this month, right in time for holiday shopping! We’ll be located at 167 Main Street (Where Frugal and Co used to be). We’ll be selling our Library mugs and water bottles, as well as the Tremaine maps!
As always there will be a great selection of gently used books and records. Many of us are looking for ways to reduce our consumption, and a trip to the Pop-Up shop is a great way to recycle as you tick off your gift list, shop local and best of all, support the Library you love!
Stay tuned for our opening date; it’s coming up soon!
-Haliday Reynolds