Derby Gala to Support Bradford Library

The Derby Gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 1, 2010 from 4:30pm – 8 pm at the Bradford Club. This is the third event of the Triple Crown to support our Bradford Area Public Library Endowment Fund. This event will conclude the series of events supporters of BAPL have held this spring, which included the Kids Derby Day in February and the Derby Chapeau Tea held in March. All three events intent was to bring awareness of the benefits of our public library and to encourage ongoing patronage to keep the Endowment Fund strong.

In May 2009, the inaugural Derby Gala was held. Mr. Richard Dorn suggested to the board they develop a good fundraiser, to be an annual event and great fun to attendees. By coinciding with the Kentucky Derby, the board has accomplished this goal. “The first year was financially successful,” commented Madeline Miles, “but best of all, people had fun and wanted to do it again.” The highlights include delicious southern cuisine, the memorable hat parade, watching your favorite horse race in the Kentucky Derby, and a silent and live auction.

Awareness of the library is of utmost importance in these current times. The Endowment Fund, established in 1984, suffered from the stock market decline, however, it is again building in value. It is important to know that nearly 22% of the Endowment Fund is used to offset the day-to-day operations of the library. This is exactly why the Endowment Fund was established. To fulfill this obligation consistently, it needs to be continually built to remain a stable and increasing source of income for the library, especially in years when State funding is reduced.

The library employs 12 people; 1 full time librarian and the other 11 are limited part time staff. In 2009, patrons made 53,000 visits to the library and the small but devoted staff responded to their need. The library is now meeting a broader group of visitors. Those coming to the library are coming for traditional use of borrowing books, as well as for community meetings, book clubs, One Book Bradford activities, and computer access. Of particular interest, the BAPL now provides FREE wireless Internet access. “The public library is truly one of the last democratic organizations,” states Linda Newman, library director, “you don’t have to join or belong and it is FREE to the people!” It is apparent that the library is responding to the local community and visitors who come through Bradford.

Organizers of the Derby Gala are hopeful that those the BAPL has supported, from Wi-Fi usage to meeting in community rooms or visiting with others over the current book in their respective clubs, will be able to join in a fun filled affair on May 1. The intent of this final event is to raise awareness of our library, generate revenue to support the Endowment Fund and celebrate those who make great use of the library. Tickets are available at the Bradford Area Chamber of Commerce, Bradford Club, and Graham Florist for $50 each.