Goodnow hosts "What's It Worth?" fundraiser

Ever wonder if that family heirloom is the real deal? Think that yard sale bargain might be worth a lot more than you paid?

Want to know if anyone can mend your favorite vase?

You'll get answers at the Goodnow Library on May 17, when "What's It Worth?" brings in an antiques expert from the famed auction house Skinner Inc. to examine your items and tell you whether you have treasure -- or trash. Restoration experts from Trefler's will also be on hand to discuss whether a valuable piece can be repaired or restored.

Hosted by the Goodnow Library Foundation, the fundraising event will run from 10 am to 3 pm. Appraisals at the event are $20 each in advance, and $25 at the door. Purchase includes a verbal appraisal of one item.

Participants may bring in a maximum of two items to the event.

Those interested are urged to register early: only 60 time slots are available. Registration is online at goodnowlibrary.org/calendar. Click on the event listing for May 17.

Jane Prentiss, director of Skinner's 20th Century design department, will represent Skinner. She is a frequent lecturer at the Rhode Island School of Design, and has appeared on a popular public television antiques show.

Prentiss will give verbal appraisals of items from the most popular collecting areas: porcelain, pottery, toys, dolls, silver, furniture and paintings. Skinner recommends good quality photos be substituted for large pieces or any items that are particularly fragile. Jewelry, coins, stamps, and musical instruments are excluded.

Prentiss can provide consignment information, but no items will be accepted for consignment at the event.

In addition, David Manzi, president of Trefler's of Newton, will present a short demonstration and explain the process of restoration. Manzi and one of his artists can answer questions and look over items free of charge.

Trefler's restores everything from porcelain, ceramics and glass to furniture and book, to paintings and frames, and even marble, jade and ivory. The firm provides museum-quality restoration, repair and cleaning services to individuals and institutions throughout New England.

Trefler's has generously donated light refreshments for "What's It Worth?"

Other antique-related activities will be on tap during the day. A table displaying mystery items will give visitors a chance to match their skills against those of the experts. Visitors can guess the value of items and place their guesses into a box. Gift certificates to The Paper Store in Sudbury will be awarded those whose estimate comes the closest for each mystery item.

What's more, one lucky attendee will win a privately donated antique. Raffle tickets will be sold at the event only. Cost per raffle ticket is $2, with six tickets for $10.

The Goodnow Library Foundation is a nonprofit that raises funds for capital improvements to the library. A revitalization of the Children's Room, and the purchase of Apple products to upgrade the library's technology are among its recent projects.

The foundation will hold its annual fall fundraiser at the Goodnow Library on October 25. The theme is "Black, White and Read (All Over)." Advance information on this highly popular charity event will be available at the "What's It Worth?" event.

The Goodnow Library is located at 21 Concord Rd.