Books & Ladders
PROSPECT — Books and ladders are a powerhouse.
“Books represent the library and ladders represent the fire department,” Jill Hambley, Prospect Community Library director, explained about the name of the library's upcoming fundraiser. “It's very important to partner with other organizations and individuals in the community. It's really the way a library is going to have its most success with helping people.”
Prospect Community Library and Prospect Volunteer Fire Department are joining forces to help the community and bring some musical entertainment to Valentine's Day weekend Feb. 16 at its family-friendly Books & Ladders event at the Prospect Volunteer Fire Hall, 373 Main St.
Food, children's activities, auction baskets and a 50/50 raffle will be available. Other activities include Dragonfly Balloons, sci-fi movie characters, the character Buddy from PBS Kids' “Dinosaur Train” and a kids' corner.
Proceeds from the event benefit both the library's remodeling project and the volunteer fire department.
The library has been in existence since the 1800s when the community's residents took turns housing the library in their individual homes and is likely the smallest in the county, according to Hambley.
In 1992, it became an official library and offers programs for all ages from preschoolers to adults.
Today, its service area has grown to include nearly 3,500 people.
In the recent past, the library hosted smaller fundraisers with its book sale being the largest, Hambley said.
The idea for the larger fundraiser came from the PCL Book Ends, a friends of the library group of about 25 people started last fall.“We're ecstatic to have a friends group again,” Hambley said.As an avid reader, Monique Mostard knows the importance of libraries.“If I can help other people get into the library and see all the resources it has to offer, I'm gung-ho for that,” said Mostard, a PCL Book Ends member and event coordinator. “It's exciting. I'm looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish.”Local businesses are excited about the combined effort, Mostard said of the positive feedback she's received about the upcoming event.Books & Ladders will be the first time the two agencies have raised money together, according to Hambley. She pointed out how the event is a natural fit given the fire department lets the library use its fire hall for summer reading programs.The library is housed in two rooms; a kid's room with the circulation desk and an adult's room with public computers, books and movies.Programming takes place in the adult room because there is more space compared to the other room, Hambley said.“The space isn't big enough for people who come in for events and programs,” she said about how attendance has increased.
Event proceeds will help purchase movable shelving, create a different area for the computers and pay for roof repairs.Hambley said an open area could accommodate the community comfortably during programming.The event is a way families can celebrate Valentine's Day together because the holiday will be the theme of the day and decorations, she said.Hambley stressed that a library is a community center for residents of all ages to gather and learn, and she considers small-town volunteer fire departments just as important.“People's lives depend on fire departments, it's important to help them out because they are just volunteers,” she said.Mostard agreed, adding how a library offers its community resources, while volunteer fire departments offer safety and protection.The variety of live music from country and acoustic to Irish offers fun on a Sunday afternoon, she said.Compared to a typical fundraiser, the joint event is set to offer family fun, Hambley said.“It's going to be an event that will bring the whole community together,” she said. “There's something fun everyone can participate in, dance and sing together and talk, but at the same time helping the library and fire department.”
WHAT: Books & LaddersWHEN: 2 to 8 p.m. Feb. 16WHERE: Prospect Volunteer Fire Hall, 373 Main St., ProspectCOST: $5 donation in advance; $7 donation at the door; children under 8 are free.Admission donations are capped at a per-family maximum of $20 presale or $25 at the doorTICKETS: Available at the Prospect Community Library, 357 Main St., and Fairground Market, 1138 New Castle Road, in Prospect. Buy an e-ticket at prospectlibrary.org by clicking “Register Now”.<h3>Events</h3>2 to 3 p.m. — Tornado Ally3 to 3:30 p.m. — Cabaret Karaoke and DJ3:30 to 4:30 p.m. — Eli Lenk (acoustic guitar)4:30 to 5 p.m. — North Country Session Players5 to 6 p.m. — Bourbon & Lace6 to 6:30 p.m. — Tyrone Smith6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — Hayday7:30 to 8 p.m. — Announcement of competition and basket winners.
