There are still two weeks left on the calendar before summer officially ends but Labor Day evening sure had an autumn-like feel to it at this year’s edition of Bands for Books. The popular gathering put on by Friends of the Wiscasset Library had appetizers, a silent auction, live music and dancing under the big top. Katharine Martin-Savage again hosted the event. It was held in a huge circus-like tent outside her Indian Road home called Seafield Farm.

It poured on and off for most of the day and by 5 p.m. when the party started, it felt like sweater weather had arrived. Lynn Maloney and Lynne McDougle greeted couples as they entered the tent. Maloney serves as the Friends of the Library treasurer. Guests were encouraged to mingle, enjoy the appetizers that were all made by the Friends, and make bids on silent auction items. These included gift certificates to local restaurants, photographs, a maple syrup basket, a case of wine and original paintings by Wiscasset artists Virginia Forrest and Mathew O’Donnell.

Mary Winterberg Barr of Edgecomb told Wiscasset Newspaper she looks forward to Bands for Books every year. “I think I’ve attended almost all of them and it does seem like it rains most years,” she said. Mary’s mother Linda Winterberg chaired this year’s fundraising committee.

Chris Sieracki and Margot Stiassni of Edgecomb attend every year, too. They said it was a great way see people and catch up with what they’ve been doing over the summer.  

Martin-Savage said many hours had gone into planning this year’s event, 99% of it done by volunteers. “We’re so fortunate to have so many people willing to help to make this happen. Other than the wet weather it’s all been wonderful.”

The Salty Dogs returned to provide entertainment playing a blend of classic rock and early rock n’ roll with songs by the Beatles and Jimmy Buffett to name just a few. The band features vocalist Debbie Ross and bandmates Allan Swain on lead guitar; Ray Dallaire on bass and Bert Breton beating out the rhythm on the drums.

Bands for Books is Friends of Library’s biggest fundraiser. Monies raised at the event support building projects and renovations at Wiscasset Public Library on High Street. Major sponsors for this year’s Bands for Books included Donald and Susan Blagden, Kim Dolce, Ted and Louana Frois and Cheryl Rust. Business sponsors were Ames True Value, Atlantic Motor Car, BarnHouse Grill & Pub, Big Al’s Fireworks, Big Barn Coffee, Tim Dunham Realty, The First, Jodie’s Café & Bakery, Red’s Eats and Renys.