Bidding Frenzy at Novel Night: Raising Funds for the Wood County District Public Library

The Wood County District Public Library Foundation's annual Novel Night event was a resounding success, raising over ,000 through a lively auction that captivated the community. From the sale of six dozen sugar cookies to the donation of a stunning glass art piece, the evening's offerings showcased the generosity and enthusiasm of local supporters, all in the name of bolstering the library's collection and services.

Unlocking the Potential of Community Engagement

Cookies, Art, and the Power of Giving

The highlight of the evening was undoubtedly the sale of six dozen sugar cookies donated by Sue Shank. These "world-famous" treats, as described by auctioneer Shad Ridenour, sparked a bidding frenzy that saw the first dozen sell for ,000, with subsequent dozens fetching ,600, ,100, ,800, ,000, and ,200 respectively. Shank's commitment to the library has been unwavering, as she has been donating her delectable cookies since the inaugural Novel Night in 2009.Alongside the coveted cookies, the silent auction featured an array of captivating items, including a swirled glass art piece donated by local artist Sonia Whitehead and a stunning marquetry wall piece crafted by Becky Schooner. The marquetry piece, a blend of cedar, mahogany, cherry, oak, maple, birch, and walnut, was won by Becky Bhaer with a bid of 0. Bhaer's connection to the library extended beyond her winning bid, as she had previously invited Schooner to lead a craft program at the library, forging a meaningful relationship between the artist and the institution.

Expanding the Library's Reach: Auction Highlights

The auction offerings extended far beyond the culinary and artistic realms, showcasing the diverse interests and passions of the community. A Huffy Youth Sea Star bike found a new home for 0, while a Packer Creek Pottery mandala wall piece and a farm picnic basket filled with beef, chicken, brats, and brown eggs were also up for grabs in the silent auction.The live auction featured an impressive array of experiences and items, including a dinner for six with Bowling Green State University President Rodney Rogers (,200), flight training with the Bowling Green Flight Center (,000), and a cooking class for eight at BGSU's Teaching Kitchen (5). Sports enthusiasts had the opportunity to bid on guest coaching experiences with the BGSU women's basketball team and the women's volleyball team, both of which sold for ,100 each.The auction also showcased the community's appreciation for culinary delights, with an Ooni Koda gas-powered pizza oven selling for 0 and a 36-inch Blackstone grill and accessories fetching a winning bid of ,000. For those seeking a unique experience, the opportunity to co-host The Morning Show with Clint Corpe was snatched up for 5.

Investing in the Future: The Library's Commitment

The success of Novel Night is a testament to the community's unwavering support for the Wood County District Public Library. As Library Director Michael Penrod noted, the trust placed in the library is taken very seriously, and the funds raised will be used to purchase a wealth of new books and digital resources to meet the diverse reading demands of the community.The library's commitment to expanding its collection is evident in the fact that, with the help of Novel Night, 16.5% of its annual budget is dedicated to materials, far exceeding the national average of 11.5%. This dedication to providing the community with access to a robust and ever-evolving library collection is a testament to the library's mission and the generosity of its supporters.As Library Foundation President Brian Paskvan proudly shared, since 2009, Novel Night has raised an impressive ,468,497 for the library, a figure that elicited enthusiastic applause from the 160 attendees. This remarkable achievement underscores the community's deep appreciation for the library's role in enriching the lives of residents, from the youngest story-time participants to the most seasoned library patrons.