Loosely quoting Elton John, the Milanof-Schock Library has a message for you: "We're still standing."

The library is using that theme for its annual benefit auction, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 28, beginning at 9 a.m. at the library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy.

It's been a tough year for the library, and last year's auction had to be canceled due to the pandemic. This year, the organizers decided to try something different from the traditional event, which had included a ticketed, sit-down dinner.

"Our previous auction was very exclusive, and this event will be very inclusive," said Jean Witmer, auction co-chair. "I'm excited about that."

The auction will be held outdoors, is free to attend and will include a variety of items for both silent and live bidding as well as giveaway drawings. Items up for bid include American Girl dolls, jewelry, artwork and more. Hess Auction Group will donate auctioneer services, and Stan Tucker will be the master of ceremonies of the event.

"We're more family-friendly this year," noted Kim Beach, auction co-chair, adding that the event will feature games and crafts for kids. Food vendors will include Dutch Country Hand-Rolled Soft Pretzels and Mulberry Thrill ice cream. The Friends of the Milanof-Schock Library will host a bake sale and drink stand as well.

Joseph McIlhenney, executive director of the library, said the auction helps continue the mission of serving the community. "The library runs on the good heart of the community," he stated. "Government funding doesn't cover even half of our budget, so we really rely on events like this to support us and our programming. The library is here for the community, but also the library is here because of the community." Proceeds from the auction will be used for major projects at the library, including repairing a sinkhole in the yard and building an outdoor patio.

The auction will wrap up with what Beach calls a "slam bang finale," when McIlhenney and Jan Betty, director of children and youth, will face off in a showdown.

"Jan and I will be raising money for the library, and the person who raises the most money gets to throw a pie in the other's face at the auction," McIlhenney explained, noting that collection jars will be in the library lobby prior to the auction for people to donate money.

Beach said the auction promises to be a fun-filled way to support the library. "After being away last year and not being able to get together in person for so long, we are so excited to see people again," she said. "We're excited for people to join us and come out for a community day."

She urged attendees to register early for a bidder number to avoid the line on auction day. To register for a number, email kbeach@mountjoy.lib.pa.us or call the library at 717-653-1510. The rain date for the auction will be Saturday, Sept. 4. For more information on the auction, visit https://mslibrary.org/annual-benefit-auction.