The Lancaster Public Library celebrated its supporters and volunteers on Sept. 8 during an appreciation event held at the library. In addition to providing an array of food, fellowship, and musical entertainment, the event served to give the library's biggest fans a sneak peak at several upcoming library events.
Stephanie and Tom Yentsch have supported the library since they moved to the area several decades ago. Coming from a rural area in western Pennsylvania, Stephanie noted that she was thrilled to live within walking distance of the library.
"I was excited; it was huge!" Stephanie recalled of her first visits to the library. Later, when Stephanie's mother, Virginia, came to live with the couple, a library visit became part of her weekly schedule as well.
"I brought her every week," Tom shared. "She would check out eight to 10 books at a time." Tom noted that Virginia would often comment that she would love to have a bed in the library so she could spend all of her time there.
During interim library executive director Lissa Holland's remarks, she shared similar sentiments about the library. Holland has served the library in multiple capacities for more than 12 years. She expressed her thanks for the volunteers and supporters.
"Because of all of you, we are able to open our doors and provide these services to the Lancaster community," she said. "Our supporters are an invaluable part of this organization, and your gift of time and financial support allows us to do the work that we do."
Holland went on to share that more than 150 volunteers clocked more than 4,000 volunteer hours in 2019.
Holland also divulged the theme for the library's upcoming signature benefit: "The Queen of the Night," based on the novel by Alexander Chee. The event is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 6, from 7 to 11 p.m. at the library, 125 N. Duke St., Lancaster. Tickets are required to attend and are available through the library's website, http://www.lancasterpubliclibrary.org.
"Come see how the library can be transformed into a dazzling French opera hall," Holland commented. "There will be themed foods and specialty beverages, as well as performances." The event will also serve to commemorate the library's 260th year in operation.
Guests at the appreciation event were then treated to a preview benefit performance from Penn Square Music Festival coloratura soprano Holly Flack.
Finally, Holland shared that the signature event may be the last event held in the library's Duke Street location. While details have been closely guarded, Holland surprised attendees and revealed artistic renderings of plans for the new library, to be built on Queen Street in Lancaster city. Holland stressed that the renderings are initial and are in no way finalized.
The library recently launched its capital campaign to help fund the move to Queen Street, and organizers noted that all plans are in the very beginning stages and are subject to change. For details, readers may visit the previously mentioned website.
Additionally, readers may support the library by shopping at the Friends of the Lancaster Public Library used bookstores, including the Juliana Bookstore, located on the first floor of the Duke Street location, and the Marshall Street Bookstore, 225 N. Marshall St., Lancaster.
The Marshall Street store also serves as the Book ReSort donation center, and it will again hand out children's books and candy during the community trick-or-treat night in October. Local residents are invited to stop by for a treat and a free book.
Readers are invited to check out the library website for upcoming book sale dates and other opportunities to support the library.
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