Friends, food, fun and golf at Millbrook Library

MILLBROOK — For two days last weekend, the Millbrook Library became more than a place to read, borrow books and tapes and meet with friends. On Friday, April 5, from 6 to 10 p.m., between 100 and 120 adults laughed, ate, played mini-golf, and helped raise funds for the library. On Saturday, April 6, the scene was repeated, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., this time for families and children.

Although such events have been held in other states, this is the first one done locally, according to Mary Keelan, president of Friends of the Library. They worked with a private party that organizes these kinds of events on a routine basis.

The Friends of the Library raise funds throughout the year by selling books, holding a Christmas auction and more. This was a first, and judging by the turnout, it probably won’t be the last. On Saturday, about 100 people participated.

There were 18 holes, all decorated by their sponsors. The holes were sold out almost immediately when the event was first announced; 16 of the holes were sold again and sponsors shared sponsorship.

Inventive and creative, the course was laid out throughout the library, on both floors. Aside from the decorated holes, sponsors also added hazards. Merritt Bookstore had its hole decorated with a moose, dressed in a hat and sunglasses; the hazard was a pile of books that golfers had to put past to sink their balls.

For those who scored a hole-in-one, there were tiny trophies, which the children loved. Several were awarded throughout the day. Danielle Hennessey, 5, was one of the proud recipients.

Soft drinks were available on Saturday; wine was reserved for after the golfing ended on Saturday night. The food was catered by Frank Ruggerone, and everyone present agreed it was plentiful, delicious and varied.

All the work for the event was done by volunteers. Saturday fees were $10 per person, adults only allowed; on Saturday the fee was $5 per person. It will be several days before the final amount raised will be known, but the major fundraising came in the form of sponsors. There were 28, among them Merritt Bookstore, Crisp Architects, Marona’s Market, the Bank of Millbrook, the Washington Town Board, Reardon Briggs and several other businesses and private parties contributed.

Keelan thanked the board for all of its work, especially Anne Collins, who spearheaded the event. Other board members are Dawn Thompkins, Grace Rosa, Jim Morley, Sol Resnicoff, Barbara Rudy, and Denise Bauer. The Friends also thanked Library Director Kirsten Woodin, who aided in every way possible.