The Strasburg-Heisler Library, 143 Precision Ave., will host a maker's market on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will be free to attend and will include multiple vendors, art demonstrations, a silent auction and food and beverages available for purchase. Regular library services will not be available during the maker's market.

This year's event will be the second maker's market held at the library, and local artists and artisans of all kinds have been invited to participate. Twenty-two vendors in total will be present, and no two vendors will offer the same items. "The whole intent of the maker's market is to showcase the library in a nontraditional way," said Kristin Fernitz, director of the Strasburg-Heisler Library. "The library is a place for people to gather and share ideas and talents. There will be an opportunity to talk with the artists during their demonstrations to learn more about their craft and techniques."

The maker's market has been expanded this year, and among the items sold by the vendors will be holiday items, handmade wooden crafts, birdhouses, homemade jams and sauces, leather items, framed art and jewelry. The library's board of directors will operate a tent outside to sell lunch and snacks, and the Joe on the Go Coffee Co. food truck will sell coffee, tea and various baked goods.

A silent auction will begin at the library on Wednesday, Oct. 27, at noon and run until Wednesday, Nov. 3. Several items have been donated from local businesses for the auction, including a swing set from King Swings, a Strasburg scooter tour for two and gift cards from restaurants. The proceeds from the auction will benefit the Strasburg-Heisler Library, which will use the funds for operational costs that allow the library to stay open, such as the recent replacement of the building's heating system.

"We want people to see the library in a different way; it's a place to go for information and idea sharing," said Fernitz. "The maker's market also provides a space for local artists who may not be participating in shows otherwise." Fernitz will sell her own handmade tote bags at the market.

The Strasburg-Heisler Library offers several things to the community beyond books, such as early childhood programs. Wendy Jones, the program coordinator, runs four different programs for children per week. The programs offer families an opportunity to enroll their children who may be too young or unable to attend preschool programs otherwise.

For more information, visit https://strasburglibrary.org/.