Scranton Library $200K Goal Continues With Scranton Shops! 3

MADISON, CT – Annually, the Board of Trustees for the Scranton Library must raise about 15 percent of the library’s operating costs, according to Board President Nicole Wiles. This is why the goal for this year's Scranton Shops! 3 is $30,000.

In its third year, Scranton Shops! 3 is held on the first Friday of June, making the date for this year June 2.

The fundraising event runs from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Scranton Library, 801 Boston Post Rd. in Madison.

During last year's event, Wiles said they were able to raise $20,000.

“Our beautiful library will host a variety of local businesses, each in their own pop-up space throughout the library's first floor,” she said. “To date, we have 20 vendors participating with room for 30. Vendors are local Madison businesses, small business owners and artisans.”

The event is free and open to the public, and by popular demand, the Brand & Brian Band will provide the evening's entertainment. Also, the Wine Thief is conducting a wine tasting. Tickets for the wine-tasting event are $5 and can be purchased at the door.

“When we fundraise, we are not purchasing “extras” for the library. Donations help pay for the utilities, maintain the physical plant, keep the library open several evenings a week, purchase materials and fund program offerings,” said Wiles. “For Fiscal Year 2022-23, the library is responsible for $306,000 of its operating income. Of that, $200,000 is fundraising dollars.”

Every guest is eligible to enter their name for a chance to win accommodations at a Caribbean Resort Hotel.

Guests can participate in the silent auction and purchase a ticket at the Mystery Tree to win prizes donated by the vendors. Silent auction offerings include an evening of shopping at Tracy Brent Collections; private sports lessons with local coaches; Coffee with Chion, Connecticut Public Radio personality; tickets to Oktoberfest in Munich, and several trip vouchers for accommodations at various Caribbean Resort Hotels.

Wiles said a large percentage of the funds raised come from general individuals and organizations who serve as sponsors for the event.

“Sponsorships are $250 each, and we continue to seek sponsorship from the community to ensure that we reach our goal,” she said. “Benefits of the sponsorship include admission to the wine tasting event and special recognition at the event and in an exclusive mailing to library subscribers.”

For more information, visit scrantonlibrary.org or email supportscranton@scrantonlibrary.org