Popular Millbrook Library Holiday Event Is Back After a Four-Year Hiatus
By Sam Falk, Friends of Millbrook Library
It is once again the time of year where festive celebrations and charitable events highlight the community spirit that makes the village of Millbrook a special place. For 14 years, up until 2019, one such event had been the holiday silent auction held at Millbrook Library. After a four-year hiatus, the Friends of Millbrook Library are bringing the popular event back this December. More than just a fundraiser for the library and a great opportunity to find holiday gifts, the auction serves to put a spotlight on the local businesses that donate their goods, and to entice community members who may not be regular patrons to see the wonders that their local library has to offer.
Having the opening reception at the library on the same night as the village’s Festival of Lights parade proved to be a huge success in 2018 and 2019, and will be repeated this year on December 1. After the parade it is a heartwarming sight to see families aglow with holiday spirit streaming into the library to peruse the auction items and partake in refreshments. More than just a building with shelves of books, Millbrook Library is a place that brings community members together.
The last time the auction was held in 2019 over 100 local businesses, plus many individuals, contributed items to be auctioned off for the benefit of the library. Donors’ generosity, combined with that of the people who bid on the auction items, enabled the Friends of Millbrook Library to raise over $8000 for their beloved institution. The results of the Friends’ fundraising efforts can be seen in the new chairs that were installed in the library’s Flagler room, and the refurbishing of the Franklin Avenue entrance. Funds raised by the Friends have also been used for children’s and teen programming, and museum passes that are all free for the community.
For the 2023 auction the Friends have almost 150 items that will appeal to all tastes and budgets. Higher-end items up for bid include a lightweight wrap from Alicia Adams Alpaca, dinner for four at the Mashomack Preserve Club, fencing lessons from Bob Nilsen, and a round of sporting clays at Orvis Sandanona. For those looking for practical gifts, there are a wide range of items such as 150 gallons of fuel oil from Taylor Oil, a signature manicure and pedicure from Tonya’s nails, and much more. There will also be a “buy it now” table of smaller items and many gift certificates to area businesses that will go to the highest bidders.
The 15th Millbrook Library Holiday Silent Auction will run from December 1 to 16 in the library’s upstairs gallery, following an opening reception that will take place from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. on December 1. The auction’s closing celebration will be held at the library from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on December 16, with final bids accepted no later than 4:00 p.m. that day. These events are free and open to all. For more information visit https://millbrooklibrary.org/
