This Sunday evening, local chefs, musicians, and authors will gather at the West Tisbury Public Library to kickoff the West Tisbury Library Foundation (WTLF)’s capital campaign to raise $1.2 million to expand the library building. The celebration will focus on establishing an appreciation for the library as a resource as well as a gathering location to share experiences.
“We’ve been handed a rare opportunity to get state funding for half of the cost of construction,” said trustee Dan Waters in the event’s press release. “If we meet our fund-raising goal, the state grant will mean an enormous savings to the town. In this case, private dollars can be leveraged into a huge improvement in the life of our community.”
The West Tisbury Free Public Library has the largest materials collection of all six Island town libraries. It also has the highest direct circulation and is open the most hours per year. However, it has the second-smallest facility on the Island (larger only than Aquinnah’s).
Library After Hours, which will run from 5 to 7 pm, will boast cuisine from an array of established chefs including: Jan Buhrman of The Kitchen Porch, Dee at Tea Lane Caterers, Jim and Kim O’Connor of Chefworks, Jen Devivo of Life Fine Foods, Cathy Walthers, Jean Marc Dupon, David Reid, Sarah Hibler, and David Thompson.
Musician Al Shackman and band will play jazz tunes to accompany the impressive collection of food. Established authors who are scheduled to speak on the importance of libraries in their lives include Paul Schneider, Paul Karasik, Jenny Allen, Ward Just, Peter Kramer, John Hough, and Mary Beth Norton. The evening will also include a raffle of unique items and opportunities.
For more information call Beth Kramer at the West Tisbury Public Library at 508-693-3366.
Book sale
The West Tisbury Library’s annual book sale will be held at the town’s elementary school daily 9 am to 3 pm, beginning this Friday morning and running through Monday. Sunday is half-price day and on Monday all books are free. All books for sale were donated.