Much ado at the Pine Plains library

PINE PLAINS — To continue supporting its programming for the local community, the Pine Plains Free Library has been brainstorming ideas for events that appeal to the community and will raise awareness of the library. Because the library currently has one of the smallest budgets in Dutchess County, Pine Plains Free Library Board President Diana Woolis said, “We really want people to understand how much they get for what the library is funded for.” 

The Evergreen Cemetery Lantern Tours have been hugely popular in the past and will be returning this weekend, with two dates set aside for tours on Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20. Bolstered by the success of last year’s event, the library’s second annual Silent Auction promises to be bigger and better and has been scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 26.

A member of the Pine Plains Free Library Board of Trustees, Lanaea Bailey said the inspiration for the former cemetery tours and new Silent Auction came last year when the library celebrated its 220th anniversary. Woolis said these events help raise awareness for the library and provide people with community and connection. People tend to take more of an interest in experiences than material possessions, Woolis explained. The Silent Auction is a new way to offer experiences that might appeal to the community and raise money at the same time.

“It’s been really fun to go around and figure out what are the cool experiences that one could have here in Pine Plains,” said Gail Mellow, a volunteer at the library. 

Toward that end, this year’s auction will cover all kinds of experiences, from lessons with a local fashion illustrator, sessions with local choreographer Mark DeGarmo to local garden tours, coffee roasting tours, artwork and even a week in a villa in Mexico City, Mexico.

“The community has just really embraced this idea and is delighted to offer its services,” Mellow said.

Woolis said that until it can identify another viable strategy, the library depends on the money raised at these fundraisers for much of its programming.

For more information about upcoming events at the Pine Plains Free Library, including the cemetery tours, go to www.pineplainslibrary.org or contact Stork at 518-398-1927 or director@pineplainslibrary.org.