Despite a rather cold evening, the recent Wine and Cheese Christmas! fundraiser hosted by Friends of the Harlem Library drew a large and enthusiastic crowd. First organized when James Hodgson offered to donate wine from his Sagebrush Flats Winery for an auction fundraiser, the Friends group provides financial support for library programs, like the very popular summer reading program for kids, and donates items that the library might not otherwise be able to purchase.

The winter event offers donors wine and other items through silent auction and a live auction. Library Director Colleen Brommer said the winter gathering usually raises about $1,200 for library projects. She added, "Our community shows great support for the library and we appreciate their support." The Friends of the Harlem Library choose projects to support or items to buy from a running "wish list" provided by the library staff based on staff needs and requests from library users.

One of the first major projects was to buy new shelving for the library. The Friends group was able to raise more than half the $20,000 needed to purchase the new shelving. Still on the list is a glass front locking cabinet for reserve books, an interactive learning activity island, library lettering on the west side of the building and a bike rack and other assorted items.

Libby Kuntz and Nellie Obrecht serve as co-chairs for the Friends group. Kuntz said, "The Friends has added some new positions to our executive board structure. That has allowed us to bring in additional community members to get a better understanding of the perceived needs from our library users." In addition to the Co-chairs Kuntz and Obrecht, Valarie Van Voast is treasurer and Linda Tangen serves as secretary. Sally O'Leary, Patsy Shelhamer and Rachael Heilig are new voting "members-at-large." Kuntz added, "As we've added new voting members we've tried to get representatives from all parts of the area served by the Harlem Library."

The library staff and volunteers always provide plenty of festive goodies to eat during the event, giving guests a chance to munch and bid on items for the silent auction and see what will be sold during the live auction. There was also a 50-50 drawing and door prizes. Winners of the door prizes were: Doug Stewart; Kayla Hudon; Nellie Obrecht; Dr. Richard Olson and Ann Azure. Tammy Williams won the 50-50 drawing.

The Friends' holiday event is also a fun social gatherings. Guests can sit down for a while to enjoy their tasty treats and catch up on the latest news with friends. Several newcomers to town were also introduced during the Wine and Cheese Christmas! It's very much a social event as well as a fundraiser.

You can still donate to the Harlem Library even if you could not attend the wine and cheese event. Library staff will share their wish list with you, maybe there's an item you could provide. Or, you can donate to the Friends and they'll add your gift toward a larger project. Library staff can provide information about how to make a gift to Friends of the Harlem Public Library.

The "Journal" thanks the Friends of the Harlem Public Library for their dedication toward making a great library even better. And thanks to all the guests who attended and supported this most recent fundraiser.