Monday December 3 marks the kick off for the Strathmore Municipal Library’s live and online silent auction. So much in Strathmore takes place at the library, so come out and help support the great community resource provided by the local library. The deadline for bids for the auction is at noon on December 14.
“We have a great selection of items that are inside the library, but what is unique this year, is we are also posting 20 items as an online auction as well. Those are 20 separate items that you do not see here at the library. You have to go online,” said Carmen Erison, assistant director of library services. The website to bid online is www.32auctions.com/strathmorelibrary.
She explained that the funds raised through the auction support programs and services offered in the new year.
“We’ve seen an increase in our memberships, and in our programs. In order to continue on with the path that we’re going we need to definitely fundraise and keep working towards increasing those funds,” she said. Another unique part of the auction is the number of donated items.
Throughout the year, the library hosts spring and Christmas markets.
“The vendors who have tables at our markets at the library, not only do we raise money by the table fees that we collect for those markets, but they are also required to donate one item to the library for the silent auction,” she said.
“They are also very generous because they donate an item to the library,” said Erison. This year the auction features donations from the spring and Christmas market this year and the spring market from the previous year.
“In addition to those this year I solicited our artists that come into the library. We exhibit works of art from many different artists in Strathmore and area. I solicited those artists to see if they would be interested in giving us a donation. So if you love the art that is on the walls, you definitely want to come down and bid on some of the very unique pieces,” she said.
Erison Celebrates Eight Years
This year is also a hallmark for Erison as she is celebrating eight years of service at the Strathmore Municipal Library.
“First I’d like to point out that I am definitely not the longest employee that has worked here. We have several employees that have been here for over 10 years and the work that they put into the library is tremendous,” she said.
Erison explained that the last eight years feel like they have flown by.
“It has definitely been an exciting eight years and I am humbled. I am very humbled by the positive responses I have seen on our social media and Facebook page,” she said.
“One patron said that it’s like bumping into an extended family member when she sees me here at the library, and I feel the same way about a lot of our patrons. I think it’s just such a blessing to be able to come to a job each day and just be happy and just love what you do,” said Erison. “I am very humbled and blessed.”