Friends of the Wiscasset Library hosted a successful fundraiser at Seafield Farm in Wiscasset, the home of Katharine Martin Savage, on Sunday, Sept. 3. It was the fourth Bands for Books annual fundraiser, and many guests said it was the most fun ever, despite the pouring rain.

The event raised over $4,000 to be used, among other things, to modernize the lighting system at the library, the so-called “Light up the Library” project.

Some 140 guests attended the party, breaking attendance records from the previous three. Tables and chairs were set up under the tent where guests sat, conversed and ate tasty hors d’oeuvres donated by Sarah’s Café and by members of the Friends of the Library. Two cash bars were busy, also.

A large tent, donated by one of the event sponsors, Leavitt and Parris of Portland, protected the guests, servers and musicians from the elements. The local band Salty Dogs played lively rock ’n roll music from the 1950s through the 1980s throughout the evening. Dancing started almost immediately and did not end until the event came to a close.

Raising significant funds for the library were 16 raffle items donated by businesses and individuals and one large silent auction item, a replica of an 18th century Windsor writing desk, donated by Jenn Spaur, a Friends member.

Sponsoring the event were three area banks with branches in Wiscasset — First National, Camden National and First Federal Savings — along with Ames True Value Hardware, Leavitt and Parris/Marianmade Farm, Sarah’s, and Ideal Portable Toilets.  Other sponsors included Jenn Spaur and Katherine Martin-Savage.

Friends of the Library thanks all the sponsors and donors for their participation and encourages the community to mark their calendars now for next year’s event, to be held again on Labor Day weekend.