Join S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library as they boldly go where no library auction has ever gone before during their Virtual Library Auction Fundraiser, Nov. 10 — 13 on iBid.org.
This is the 31st year the library will be holding the auction, albeit a bit differently this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Typically held as a Library Auction Dinner Fundraiser, this is the largest fundraising event of the year for the library, often bringing in $30,000-$40,000 a year, which is used for library materials, staff payroll, programming, utilities and facility maintenance.
With a 55% drop in state funding for 2021, Library Director Mary Grace Collier-Kisler explained fundraising will be crucial for the library in the upcoming year.
“In 2020 our state aid was around $32,000 and for 2021 it will be approximately $13,000,” she explained.
Virtual Silent Auction bidding and Buy It Now Item virtual shopping begins on Nov. 10, whereas the Virtual Live Auction will be broadcast at 8 p.m., Nov. 13 on Facebook Live. Kisler suggested holding “watch parties” for the live auction with friends and family.
Bidding on items for the virtual silent auction and buy it now virtual shopping will look a lot like eBay, for those familiar with the online auction platform. Additionally, the virtual live auction will look similar to what one would see on home shopping networks, with an individual showing off the item, along with information at the bottom of the screen.
“We’re doing our best to make it fun, easy and professional,” noted Kisler. “I just want people to be engaged and have a good time. I think so many people are longing for some type of community.”
All items listed on the library’s iBid.org portal are in preview mode until bidding opens. Participants can pre-register at https://ibid.org/v/LFYWM284.
Winners may pick up their auction items after 12 p.m. on Nov. 14 at Port Allegany Veteran’s Memorial Inc. or they can be shipped at the winner’s expense. Virtually anyone around the world can participate in the auction, so feel free to share the event with friends and family.
Donations for the auction are currently being accepted at the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library until Nov. 6. Donations that include alcohol cannot be accepted due to regulations, though gift cards to purchase alcohol will be accepted.
The library is also accepting corporate sponsors. For a $500 sponsor fee, the corporation’s logo will scroll across the bottom of the screen during the live auction.
Kisler expressed her appreciation for the volunteers who have helped make this event possible.
“This has always been a community effort for a community event,” she said. “We’re missing our big party this year, but hopefully everyone will participate in the virtual auction and have a good time.”
For more information, visit the S.W. Smith Memorial Public Library Facebook page, http://www.swsmithlibrary.org/, or call 814-642-9210.
