For many years, the Milanof-Schock Library has held a benefit auction over the summer. This year, the library staff decided to change things up a bit, said Kim Beach, operations coordinator. The Love Your Library Benefit Bash will be held on Friday, Aug. 25, from 4 to 7 p.m. on the grounds of the library, 1184 Anderson Ferry Road, Mount Joy.

"This is something new we're trying. It's a very family-friendly event," Beach noted. "There will be plenty of things for people of all ages to do. And we hope that our faithful auction-goers come to this and give this a shot. We'll still be having touches of our auction at this event as well."

The bash will include free games and live entertainment, along with a silent auction and some games for a nominal fee.

Stan Tucker will serve as master of ceremonies from 4 to 5:30 p.m., and the Sound of Roses jazz band will provide live music from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The Balunguy will offer balloon artistry, and the library's Miss Jan will have a variety of free activities for families.

Attendees will also be able to "Soak the (Town) Celebrity" by firing water balloons at local teachers, school administrators and the library's executive director, Joseph McIlhenney.

Regular auction attendees will recognize aspects of the former fundraiser, including a silent auction, giveaway items and buy-me-now options.

"We always get all kinds of interesting things from the community for the auction," Beach said. "We have baskets, a wicker and suede chair that is absolutely beautiful, artwork from local artists, and gift cards to local businesses and restaurants."

The benefit bash will also include a Lego contest, where community members can vote on their favorite Lego creation. Lego designs, created over the summer by children and families, are showcased at the library for voting, and people will also be able to vote throughout the benefit bash.

A variety of food trucks will be on-site for the event, including The BBQ Trough, Stoney's Burgers and Fries, Spud Muffin, Cupcakes by Casey and Sugar Swirl Cart. Mulberry Thrill of Marietta will sell ice cream novelties, and the Friends of the Milanof-Schock Library will sell popcorn.

Proceeds from the event will help fund ongoing and upcoming projects at the library. "This year, we had a tree we had to take down, and there are always improvements needed around the library," Beach said. "We also just finished our courtyard and had an unveiling. It looks amazing." Legacy bricks for the courtyard will be available to order at the benefit bash.

Beach noted that Donegal High School will play Elizabethtown Area High School in a football game on Aug. 25, making the benefit bash the perfect first stop on a night of community fun.

"Come tailgate with us, play some games, have some food and have fun, and then go to the game," she said.

She emphasized that events like the benefit bash would not be possible without the support of sponsors and the community. Hershey Heating and Air Conditioning is the event's platinum sponsor. "The community is so generous to the library every year," Beach said. "They support us so very well, and we really feel honored that they do."

For more information on the benefit bash, visit https://mslibrary.org.