Bradford Area Public Library has less than 50 tickets remaining for our inaugural Celebration of Library Heroes event, slated for November 2 at the Bradford Club.  This special fundraiser will honor the efforts of Marie Troskosky and Jeanie Satterwhite.  Tickets for the event are only $40 each or $70 for two and include a buffet-style dinner.  Tickets can be purchased at the library. 

Attendees will enjoy a social hour beginning at 5:30 PM that will include vegetables, and cheese & cracker trays.  “The Bradford Club is creating a signature drink for our celebratory event,” reports Janelle Nolan, BAPL’s Marketing and Adult Programming Coordinator.  “They are using well-known American authors, Ernest Hemingway and William Faulkner for their inspiration.”  Local musician, Jim Ronan will also play acoustic music during the event.  Following the social hour, the buffet-style dinner will begin at 6:30 PM and will consist of chicken piccata, salmon, rice, potatoes, salad, and an assortment of desserts.

“We’ve had overwhelming support from individuals in our community (they have been the primary source of our sponsorship).  Corporate sponsors currently include:  Zonta Club, Kiwanis Club, E & M Engineering & Surveyors, Just Riding Along, State Line Supply Co., Fraternal Order of Eagles club, Blaisdell Foundation, Bradford Christian Academy, Troisi CPA, United Way, The Bradford Era, Futures Rehabilitation Center, Minard Run Oil Co., and the Lt. John Roche Post 212 VFW.  Individuals or organizations interested in sponsoring this event can download a sponsorship form from the library’s homepage (bradfordlibrary.org).  All sponsors will be acknowledged on the library’s website, in social media posts, and in the evening’s program,” said Nolan.

BAPL Executive Director, Rebecca Feightner states, “We are fundraising operating costs.  Back in 2019 we lost $50,000 in an appropriation the Bradford Area School District had given us since 1986.  We never replaced that funding.  At the same time, we are facing financial challenges wrought by years of declining revenue due to cost increases, and lower return on investments.  We are actively working towards securing new resources and sustainable funding to continue our mission.  We are currently running at a significant loss this year.  As we look to the future, we have ambitious plans and initiatives that will require both innovation and increased support from our community. We are dedicated to exploring new avenues for funding and resources, seeking partnerships with local organizations, and finding creative solutions toward securing the library’s financial stability.  The Bradford Area Public Library is a vital community hub.  A place where our community welcomes everyone.  We will continue to serve Bradford with this in mind.  Our commitment to providing an inclusive and accessible environment that promotes lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and intellectual growth remains as strong as ever.”

For more information concerning BAPL’s special event, please visit their website at bradfordlibrary.org or call Feightner at 814-362-6527.