Susan Burke, a member of the ELANCO Library fundraising committee, is looking forward to the return of the ELANCO Library Gala. "It will be a nice evening out," stated Burke. "Have some food and drink. Mingle and listen to a band."

This year's event will be called the ELANCO Library Autumn Jubilee, and it will be held on Thursday, Nov. 3, beginning at 6 p.m. at The Silk Mill on Main, 328 E. Main St., New Holland. The evening will include heavy hors d'oeuvres, libations, and lively entertainment.

Burke noted that the emphasis in selecting the location and vendors was decidedly local. "We want to promote New Holland, so we chose The Silk Mill on Main, and we are using a vendor in East Earl, called Flourish, for the flowers for our event," said Burke, who added that arrangements for the music were made through the New Holland Band. A silent auction, featuring artwork and themed baskets, will be held. Local businesses that donate to the event will be recognized in a multimedia program.

The library, which is located at 11 Chestnut Drive, New Holland, has its roots in the downtown area, where it was established as the New Holland Library in 1933 by the New Holland Business and Professional Women's Club. By 1965, the library had moved to a room in what was then the New Holland Borough Hall. Eleanor Dissinger was instrumental in the founding of the library, and an award is given yearly in her name to a volunteer who has served the library well. That award will be given out at the gala, and Mark Dilts, president of the board, will say a few words.

Lee Vescovich, who serves on the fundraising committee with Burke, noted that although ELANCO is supported by the state and funds from five local municipalities - New Holland, East Earl, Earl, Terre Hill, and Caernarvon - a large percentage of the budget remains uncovered. "Our purpose is to raise much-needed funds," he said.

Burke emphasized that one goal of the event is to attract residents from all areas served by ELANCO. "The library is hoping for community support," she noted. "We are hoping to see people (from all areas)."

Per-person tickets to the gala, which must be reserved by Thursday, Oct. 20, may be purchased by clicking on the link at https://elancolibrary.org.

The library holds several other fundraisers, and the organization will take part in the ExtraGive 2022 online fundraising event to be held on Friday, Nov. 18. Readers who wish to help during the ExtraGive may visit http://www.extragive.org.