By Cindy Filipenko
With its new facility on the way, the Pemberton Library is stepping up its fundraising efforts.
“In the past, we’ve said come on in and schmooze,” says Jan Naylor, chief librarian, of the annual wine and cheese evening. “It’s really the first event of the season. We usually make $1,500 and it’s more of a social event. This year because we’re in the process of raising funds for the new library, the focus is more on fundraising.”
Changing that focus has meant a change in the popular “bring-your-own-wine” event’s venue. Traditionally held in some of the area’s more stately homes, this year’s party, on Nov. 17, will be held at the Pemberton Valley Golf and Country Club to accommodate a larger crowd. Local businesses, staff associations, service organizations and individuals have donated themed gift baskets for a silent auction.
In addition, a live auction will be held. Local auctioneer Bill Hortie will bring his lively brand of humour to the proceedings that will see items such as a B&B packages on the auction block.
“We call it a wine and cheese, but it’s so much more than just cheese and crackers. You really don’t need to have dinner,” quips Naylor.
Funds raised at the evening will go to purchase furniture and offset library programming.
“This year we’re also planning to formalize Friends of the Library, which in the past was present and past board members. Funding is going to be ongoing. When we move into the new space not everything will be new and finished,” said Naylor.
Speaking with her, it becomes apparent that a pristine, new space is not her goal for the new 4,000 sq. ft. library.
“This community has put a lot into this building over the past few years and we hope to have the same feeling in the new space,” she says, citing 2001’s community donation of materials and labour to expand the current building.
The library has been in consultation with two librarians from the Fraser Valley who were involved in designing libraries in Hope and Aggasiz, a process Naylor described as “extremely valuable.”
“We’ll be doubling our space, but not our collection,” she said.
Instead, the bright new facility will feature large windows, more seating area, study space, workspace and a children’s area enclosed with plexi-glass to reduce sounds from exuberant new readers. As well, there will be patios off both the children’s and adult reading areas.
The 14 th Annual Pemberton Library Wine and Cheese runs from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17 at the PVGCC. The $20 tickets are available at the library or through board members. Call the library at 604-894-6916 to reserve tickets.
