There's a lot more to the library than books, and that will be evident on Friday, Feb. 7, when the Elizabethtown Public Library hosts A Taste of Western Lancaster County. The event will be held from 4:30 to 9 p.m. at the library, 10 S. Market St., Elizabethtown.

"Attendees will experience a unique night out at the library," said Brandon Allen, library co-chair of the planning committee. "Forget about being quiet and enjoy samples of food and drinks on all three floors of the library while listening to live music, meeting up with friends and making some new ones."

The event is a collaboration between the library and the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown. The Rotary co-chair is Kevin Gardner.

Allen explained how A Taste of Western Lancaster County works.

"When people enter, they will be given a bag with a program, voting slips and some extra goodies," he said. "As they sample food and beverages throughout the building, they are encouraged to vote for their favorites in the categories of beverage, appetizer, entree, dessert and best of show. The winners will be announced soon after and receive a plaque."

Tables are set up throughout the library, highlighting a variety of local establishments.

"We feature restaurants, breweries, wineries, distilleries and other food vendors in the area for people to sample," Allen shared. "This way they can reach a wider clientele and hopefully encourage them to be frequent customers. We expect to have between 20 (and) 25 vendors. Some that have already confirmed are Pine Creek Spirits, The Spot Hometown Deli, Troegs Independent Brewing, Spence Candies, McCleary's Public House, Railroad House Inn, Mangia Mangia Italian Grill, Mars, Waltz Vineyard, Grandview Vineyard and the Free From Kitchen."

All proceeds from the event support the work of the Elizabethtown Public Library and the Rotary Club of Elizabethtown, he noted.

"Sponsors of the event help to cover the costs, and vendors donate their time and food so that all money from ticket sales goes directly to the library and Rotary Club," Allen commented. "We are grateful for all of our sponsors who are given a shoutout on social media and listed in the event program. We would like to especially thank our major sponsors: Diamond Sponsor White Family Dental, Lip Balm Sponsor DDMP, Plate Sponsor John E. Fullerton Inc., Napkin Sponsor B&G Lumber and Cold Cup Sponsor Waste Hauler Support Services."

Allen encourages anyone with an interest in trying new establishments and having a fun night out to get tickets for the event.

"This is a great opportunity to have a night out sampling wonderful food and drinks while supporting the community," he said. "For similar to the price of going out to eat, you get a wider variety of food options and drinks, get to hear some live music, spend time with friends and also support the Rotary Club and library."

To purchase tickets for A Taste of Western Lancaster County, visit https://tinyurl.com/2025TWLC. The event is open to people age 21 and older.