Local artists featured in library bookcase fundraiser

Intricately decorated by Matt and Jamaica Rees, “Blueberry Blush” is one of 18 bookcases designed and crafted by local artists that are available through an auction fundraiser for the Putnam County Public Library.

Courtesy photo

The Friends of the Library is partnering with local artists to raise funds for the Putnam County Public Library. Beginning Monday, Sept. 25, bids are open for more than 15 bookcases designed and crafted by local artists and creatives.

Bidding will take place online, with all minimum bids starting at $20. Bidding will close on Thursday, Oct. 5 at 6 p.m. Winners will be announced at a reception following the scheduled showing of the Manhattan Short Film Festival at the library on Oct. 5, beginning at 7 p.m. Light refreshments will be provided along the announcement of the winners of the auction.

“We are so grateful for the creativity and effort displayed in these bookcases,” Friends of the Library Board Member Gwen Morris said. “We cannot be happier with the results of this partnership between the Friends of the Library and local creatives.”

The bookshelves will be on display on the upper floor of the library during the bidding process. Visitors are encouraged to browse the available bookcases and appreciate the creativity of the Putnam County community.

All proceeds from the auction will benefit library programs, collections and services. The Friends of the Putnam County Public Library are a group of invested individuals who pay a membership fee and dedicate volunteer hours to supporting the library.

The Friends of the Library group is responsible for the library’s book store, regular book sales and promotions, fundraising events, and managing fundraising partnerships such as Kroger Community Rewards. They are also the facilitators of the Imagination Library program in Putnam County, which provides monthly delivery of books to children from birth through five years old throughout the county.

Participating artists are Alex Hirt Nichols, Karen Hirt, Matt Rees, Jerry Bates, Amy Welch, Ella Dye, Martha Opdahl, Amy Robinson, Zoe Cope, Mickey Meehan, Lisa Poor Cooper, Dessa Frank, John and Leo Hecko, Alex Nichols, Robin Johnson, Savanah Black, Catherine McKee Simmerman and Sharon Mancuso.

Individuals may bid via https://putnamcopublib.betterworld.org/auctions/bookshelf-auction.

For more information about library services, programs and collections call 653-2755 or visit pcpl21.org.

The library is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday through Saturday from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. The library is closed on Sundays.