ELANCO Library plans second Autumn Jubilee

Last year, when the ELANCO Library held its first Autumn Jubilee, the event featured heavy hors d'oeuvres, adult beverages, and a musical trio. "People loved the music," said Susan Burke, a member of the ELANCO Library fundraising committee, "There was some dancing, so (this year), we have added the dinner dance."

The second annual ELANCO Library Autumn Jubilee will be held at The Silk Mill on Main, 328 E. Main St., New Holland, on Thursday, Nov. 2. Doors will open at 5:45 p.m. Two Eleanor Dissinger awards will be given out at the event. Food for the event will be provided by Catering by John Lowe of New Holland, and the dinner buffet menu will feature chicken marsala, baked rigatoni, a Caesar salad, a spring vegetable medley, mashed potatoes, rolls, and a vareity of desserts, including cannoli, cheesecake bites, cookies, and berries with mascarpone. Limited adult beverages will be included with each ticket. Musicians from the New Holland Band will play jazz and swing music, and a silent auction will be held.

For 2023, silent auction items will include a year of ice cream from Lickity Split, along with a number of themed baskets. Burke reported that a dog lover's basket, a coffee basket, and a wellness basket are being prepared. Burke is also gathering local items for a "getting around town" basket as well as gift cards to pizza shops and grocery stores.

Burke explained that the Jubilee is the library's biggest fundraiser, and that the event is especially important this year because a matching grant is available. "We have the opportunity to raise $20,000 by the end of the year with a $20,000 match," said Burke.

Library director Anna D'Agostino said that funds will be used for an "exciting renovation" in the children's area, which will turn a storage closet into an education space for preschoolers. "We will knock down the wall to half level," said D'Agostino, who added that the area will be dedicated to learning stations and toys for children birth to age 5. In addition, the downstairs meeting room will be "spruced up," including the addition of soundproofing, for use by teenagers and local groups.

Although ELANCO is supported by the state and funds from five local municipalities - New Holland, East Earl, Earl, Terre Hill, and Caernarvon - in general, a large percentage of the budget remains uncovered. Upcoming fundraisers will include the Friends of the Library holiday book sale on Saturday, Dec. 2, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A giving tree is also planned for November to help cover fines and other items.

Tickets for the Autumn Jubilee may be purchased at http://www.elancolibrary.org by Saturday, Oct. 21.