Community Dine Out tempts diners and readers

COPAKE — “Eat well. Do good.” Those four simple words are the catch phrase for the Roeliff Jansen Community Library’s Community Dine Out — a fundraiser that partners the library with local restaurants. Anyone who dines at the participating restaurants on specific dates will see 10 percent of their bill go to the library.

This is the fundraiser’s sixth year — and it’s been growing steadily in popularity.

“I think it’s a nice variety from some high end restaurants to diners,” said Roe Jan Library Director Tammy Gaskell. “I think there’s something there for everybody.”

The fundraiser is as much for the eateries, she added, as it is for the library. That cooperative spirit is just a part of why so many love this little library.

“It’s a win-win for both the local businesses and the library,” said Gaskell.

In total, 13 eateries are participating, with breakfast, lunch and dinner offered. Last year, a couple of thousand dollars were raised. 

“There are a few more dates and restaurants than last year, so we’re hoping to do a little better this year,” said the library director. “Every little bit helps. A couple of thousand dollars could help pay for our children’s summer reading program, or could pay for several concerts or author events over the course of the year, as well as for our collection development — $2,000 can go pretty far in buying books or CDs.”

Gaskell said that the money isn’t specifically earmarked for anything, but said with an operating budget of $315,000 in 2017, all donations help. 

“Well more than half of that budget” comes from fundraising, individual contributions or events like the Community Dine Out, added Gaskell. The library’s biggest fundraiser of the year is its annual summertime gala, but these smaller fundraisers help fill in the spending gaps.

The Roe Jan Library has, at last count, nearly 2,000 active card users. Some of its most popular offerings include concerts, historical talks and, recently, a new senior balance and stretch class.

“I think especially in a rural community like this, it is a major community center providing all kinds of services,” said Gaskell, encouraging local residents to check out the library — and its resources.

Participating restaurants in the Community Dine Out include Swiss Hutte, Bert’s Inn, Mount Washington House, Taconic Wayside Inn, CrossRoads, Dad’s Diner, John Andrews Restaurant, The Greens at Copake Country Club, Clock Tower, O’s Diner and The Pond. Dates for the Dine Out run from Thursday, Feb. 21 through Wednesday, April 17. 

To learn more about the Community Dine Out and its full schedule of dates and restaurants, go to www.roejanlibrary.org.