When you think of the Columbia Public Library, you might think of what's on the shelves, but on Sunday, Sept. 19, you should look at the walls. The Columbia Public Library Art Auction will be held that day, featuring historic artwork, pieces from local artists, rare books and more. The event will be held at the library, 24 S. Sixth St., beginning at 12:30 p.m. for browsing, followed by the auction at 2 p.m.

Pieces to be auctioned will include an original pen and ink drawing of the Wilton Armetale trademark by artist and designer Wilfred Adrian Ferguson; a still life painting by Columbia High School teacher Dorothy Cooper; a Columbia-Wrightsville bridge photograph by John Reitzel; works by contemporary artists Julie Yontz Rupp, Janette Toth-Musser, Susan Darling, Rob Evans and Jeff Himes; two Lloyd Mifflin books; and many more historical local pieces.

"We are also offering a buy-it-now table that includes paintings from local artists, Gardiner C. Criswell lithograph postcards, valuable books for the literature lovers and a few other unique pieces," said Robin Gamby, library board member. "The library's permanent collection will also be on display for viewing during the auction."

Over the years, the library has amassed a large collection of artwork and is running out of storage space and room to display the pieces. A committee of volunteers came up with the idea of the auction to reduce the collection a bit and raise money to preserve the permanent collection. The auction was originally scheduled for 2020 but had to be postponed due to the pandemic. The committee hopes to make it an annual event.

"We take the preservation of the art and collections that we have been blessed with seriously," Gamby stated. "The proceeds from (this) event will be used to preserve the pieces that will remain in the library's permanent collection for future generations to enjoy."

Although the auction will mostly focus on Columbia history, Gamby stressed that it will offer something for everyone. "It's for art and literature lovers," she said.

Visitors to the auction are invited to walk through the library, view the art and visit the buy-it-now table. The auction will be held on the library's terrace. Light refreshments will be available in the Locust Street Park gazebo.

"Since 1929, the Columbia Public Library's primary mission has been to serve the local community by providing the tools and resources people need to create their own world," Gamby stated. "As a public library, we have the opportunity to influence the lives of others in a positive manner, and we take that responsibility to heart. Looking toward the future, we see the importance of maintaining our library as a community builder, a center for cultural diversity, a center for the arts, an institute of learning and a champion of youth."

For more information on the library or the art auction, visit https://columbiapubliclibrary.org.