The Friends of Wiscasset Library’s Fundraising Committee includes some who have planned all eight Bands for Books events, as well as some new additions over the years. Up until 2012, the Friends group, whose mission is to support and promote the Library, had mainly relied on sales of used books in their “Secondhand Prose” book store to fund their support of Library projects. Then in 2014, after some reevaluation, they launched their first major fundraiser, called Bands for Books. Held at Marianmade Farm, the big attraction was a true big band, called Opus One. Over the next nine years, the venue was either Marianmade Farm or Katharine Martin-Savage’s Seafield Farm, and the music was provided by several different bands. With the Salty Dogs, it was a perfect match, and for the last five years, dancing to their music has been a major draw for the party.

The Fundraising Committee begins working on Bands for Books early in the new year, and while the format remains the same, each year brings a few new twists. Generous donors include members of the Friends and many local businesses who either sponsor the expenses of the event or donate to the very successful silent auction. This year’s Bands for Books will take place on Monday, Sept. 4, Labor Day, from 5 to 7 p.m. at a new and exciting venue, Lakehurst Lodge in Damariscotta. There will be a cash bar, incredible appetizers made by members of the Friends, and some wonderful new additions to the silent auction. Committee members this year include Kate Curran, Lynn Maloney, Hannah Stewart, Stephanie Hergenroeder, Tracey Whitney, Barbara Britton, Judith Sutter, Linda Adams, Linda Winterberg and Pam Dunning.

The Friends want to keep this party/fundraiser accessible to all, so ticket prices remain at the original $20 per person in advance, and $25 at the door. Tickets will be available at the Library in the next week, at the July and August Art Walks, or contact Linda Winterberg (lzwint43@gmail.com).