WEST DUMMERSTON-Lydia's Friends, the organization that supports the Lydia Taft Pratt Library, will host its annual Geranium Festival, Silent Auction, and Book Sale fundraiser on Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dummerston Community Center, 150 West St., rain or shine.
Lydia Taft Pratt Library Director Dena Marger said in a news release that "it is vital to the success of a small-town library like ours that we have the support and advocacy that comes from having a friends group like Lydia's Friends working with us. We are incredibly grateful to have them."
According to Dummerston resident Catherine O'Callaghan, who leads Lydia's Friends, this year's event is held in the memory of two devoted friends of the library who died last November: Lisa Blake and Susan A. K. Kern.
"Lisa Blake was a long-time volunteer with Lydia's Friends and Susan A. K. Kern served for many years as chair of the board of trustees for the library," she said. "In honoring these two women, we recognize their contributions and hope to inspire others to follow their example and serve and support our local library."
Geraniums for the event are being supplied by Dummerston's Walker Farm. Area craftspeople, artisans, and businesses have generously donated art, crafts, and gift certificates to the silent auction. Organizers say the book sale is sure to include some treasures.
A local musical duo, Hazelnuts, will perform from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Refreshments and activities will be provided for the whole family. A tent will prevent both people and flowers from succumbing to the elements, whether they be rain or sun. Proceeds from this year's Geranium Festival will help the library provide a museum and event pass program for community use.
The Lydia Taft Pratt Library was established as Dummerston's municipal library in 1914. For more information, contact the library at 802-258-9878 or dummerstonvtlibrary@gmail.com, or O'Callaghan at 802-380-7935.
This Town and Village item was submitted to The Commons.