Submitted by Friends of Library

“It’s a beginning to look a lot like…..Halloween,” says Betty Anne Goodwin of Friends of the Library. “Despite the fact we’re closer to Halloween than Christmas, the Friends are in the thick of things organizing the Christmas Silent Auction. “Over the past many years, we think this might be the 22nd Annual, the items donated and the resulting funds raised through the auction have supported enhancements to the library’s collection, services, and a variety of community programs,” says Goodwin. 

The priority now is gathering goods and services for the auction. In past years businesses and individuals have donated some very attractive new or like-new items that have resulted in spirited bidding that raised lots of money for the library. “We’re hoping for the same this year,” says Goodwin. 

History has shown that some of the highest bids are for the golf and ski packages generously donated by our local resorts. Other examples of goods that have attracted bidders in the past include Hand-crafted items such as quilts, knitted items, pottery, glass art, woodcrafts; collectables; home décor; small appliances; jewellery; antiques; toys and games; and locally made produce like jams, pickles, chocolate, coffee. As the appeal of framed art is very subjective and art being “in the eye of the beholder,” the Friends ask that it not be donated. 

In addition to goods, auction organizers would like to have some services available for bidding. Perhaps a vehicle oil change, seasonal tire switch-out; snow clearing; a consultation with an accountant or a lawyer; teeth cleaning; eye exam; manicure or other spa treatments; pet grooming; house cleaning; rug cleaning; hair cut; deluxe shave; catered meal; gutter cleaning; septic tank emptying; car detailing; car washes; plumbing; electrical – the possibilities are constrained only by one’s imagination. 

As COVID-19 restrictions are still in place, the auction will again this year be online. “We’ve teamed up with Fundables, an online fundraising platform from Fairmont, that we anticipate will make the process of showcasing the donated items and the bidding on those items much easier both for our volunteers and bidders.” More information on the bidding process will be available soon.  

Donors can drop off items and gift certificates at the Invermere Public Library before Nov. 17. This will provide the Friends volunteers time to showcase the item, and post it on the website for opening day Nov. 20 at 9 a.m. Bidding closes on Nov. 30 at 4 p.m. 

“As the festive season draws closer, we hope that previous donors will again choose to donate to the Friends of the Library Christmas silent auction and that new donors will come on board. Every item donated and bid submitted is in support of our well-loved and well-used public library,” concludes Goodwin.