Community Corner
Check it out! Support library from the comfort of your couch
Orland Park Library to host virtual gala
When is the last time you’ve been to the Orland Park Library? Hopefully it's not back when card catalogues were housed in wooden cabinets near the checkout counter.
If it’s been a long time, it’s time to learn about the resources available to patrons of all ages. The library is so much more than just a place to check out a book or do research. As a matter of fact, according to the American Library Association, libraries play a critical role in the happiness of this country’s citizens, supported by the fact Americans go to public libraries more often than they go to the movies.
One of the ways the library is able to provide myriad of programs, events and services is through an annual fundraiser. This year’s fundraiser will be a virtual gala on Saturday, Dec. 5, from 6 to 7 p.m.
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“In these times of COVID-19, we had to scrap our plans for an in-person gala,” said Bridget Lindbloom, library trustee and gala chair. “There is no need to dress up or even leave your couch. You can bid on some silent auction items, get a virtual tour of the library hosted by a familiar face or two, and support the Orland Park Library.”
The library recently completed renovations and planned to share the updates with community members this past spring. “We had intended on reconnecting with community stakeholders about the renovation with an in-person tour. COVID-19 changed that,” said Jackie Boyd, communications manager at the library. “With the library renovation coming to an end, it is our responsibility to community stakeholders to make sure the renovation has been what they asked for.”
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The virtual tour will highlight the changes at the library, which include additional improved meeting spaces and study rooms, tech center with a 3D printer and other high-tech resources, a sensory room for special needs patrons, a nursing room for moms and the Backyard, an outdoor area for programs, story times and other family activities. “Reading outside is one of my favorite things to do” Lindbloom said. “So, sitting in the Backyard in an Adirondack chair reading a book sounds like my perfect afternoon.” When completed, it will overlook the pond and be amongst shade trees. “I think the Backyard is a really unique feature that not many other libraries have. During the nice weather it will give kids and families a chance to be out in the fresh air while at the library,” she said.
Tickets for the virtual gala, which is being presented by the library and The Friends of the Library, are $50, which grants admission access and the opportunity to bid on silent auction items. For $250, patrons will receive admission access, can bid on silent auction items, be entered into the virtual raffle and participate in the wine tasting event. Persons who purchase the wine tasting, should contact Boyd for directions and appointment options for picking up three bottles of wine for the tasting.
The gala will begin with a welcome at 6 p.m., followed by a tour of the renovated areas with a special thank you to the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation and Darvin Furniture and Mattress for their contributions. The wine tasting for those who purchased one of the 35 wine tasting tickets will begin at 6:30 p.m. Raffle drawings will be announced at 6:45 p.m. The silent auction will close at 6:50 p.m.
“I absolutely think people in this community will support this gala,” Boyd said. “It’s a feel-good kick-off to the Christmas season uniting all of us in support of community literacy. Most people in the community haven’t been in the library since (the start of) COVID-19, so this is a nice way to show them what has changed. Just spend a little time on the library floor, and you will see how important the library is to this community.”
She said proceeds of ticket sales would help to maintain the building.
“Out of this gala, I hope that we get a chance to share in the appreciation of literacy and library building resources together as a community. We have more plans for the future to do in-person, family-oriented events when we can all safely meet again,” Boyd said
Gala Information and Wine Tasting
The library thanks the Aileen S. Andrew Foundation and Darvin Furniture and Mattress, and all of its corporate sponsors to date:
