Attention crafters!  Would you like to showcase your special abilities and raise money for a good cause?  In 2009, the library held a “Chair-ity Event” fundraiser.  It was such a success and such fun that we decided to make it an annual event.  What is our “Chair-ity Event?”  It is simple.  People decorate wooden chairs that we display at the library for about a month.  We have a silent auction for the chairs and the proceeds go to support the library. 

How can you participate?  All you need is a wooden chair.  You may use one of your own, or stop by the library and pick one up.  Just fill out a registration form, paint or decorate the chair any way you like, and return it to the library.  We would like the chairs back by September 13.   The chairs will be on display throughout the library.  The silent auction will begin at the Friends of the Library’s Taste of the Midwest event on Wednesday, September 29^th.  Bidding will begin at the Taste and continue until October 17.  The library is planning an open house with refreshments and the bidding will end promptly at 3:00 pm.  If you want your chair back, you must bid on it!  All of the proceeds raised this year will go towards building a collection of television series on DVD.

When you decide on a chair for this event, you may want to look at some of our ideas for inspiration.  We took pictures of the wonderful chairs that were created last year and will have those pictures posted around the library.  Some chairs have already come in for this year so those might inspire you as well.   We also have some books about painting that might be of some help.  You could also glue items to your chair, or you could cut holes in it.  Do whatever you want.  Your imagination is your only limit!  All we ask is that you just use wooden chairs.  You may use rocking chairs, dining room chairs, deck chairs, stools, small chairs, big chairs…as long as they are wooden.

If you wish to contribute to the library, but don’t have the time or creativity, please donate your unwanted wooden chairs for others to create with!  We are looking for some really unique and creative looking chairs for this auction.  Our supply is limited, so donations would be very welcome!

Did I mention that we are judging these chairs also?  The more creative, the better!  We are awarding ribbons to those that win Staff Favorite, People’s Choice, and City Officials Choice.  You will get your chance to vote for your favorite chair in October as well as bid on the one that catches your eye.  So do your very best with your creativity and help out the library during our “Chair-ity Event 2010.”