SPRINGFIELD — It was a party between the book stacks.
The 13th annual Books and Brew at the Springfield Library last weekend welcomed its first in-person fundraiser for the Springfield Public Library Foundation since the start of the COVID pandemic.
“Even though we received so much support over the last two years online, this was a totally different event,” said Emily David, library director. “Everyone was happy to be back.”
This year’s event featured beer pong, a DJ, The Springfield High Mariachi Band, and a host of raffle prizes, including a weekend getaway in Newport, a $500 home improvement gift card and a Lane Community College course. The library partnered with Bigfoot Beverages, Ninkasi Beer, and BNF Kombucha for the “brew” portion of this event.
City officials estimate the fundraiser brought in nearly $35,000 to support programs and services at the SPL and Springfield History Museum.
The money raised will be used to update and renovate the interior of the library, including a new teen hangout spot, new conference rooms and new chairs. Renovations are set to begin this summer.