More supporters turned out this year than ever before in the annual “Book-It” 5K Library Fundraiser, held Saturday, May 3, according to Halsey Mayor Jerry Lachenbruch.
With as many as 63 registered runners/walkers, the event, along with added donations and book sales, raised more than $2,885 to support programs at the Halsey Public Library.
“The library, like most parks and rec organizations, very much doesn’t have, really, a solid revenue source,” City Administrator Briana Parra said. “It’s something that the community wants to have and we invest in.”
While the General Fund and grant money help get the Summer Reading Program started, the Book-it fundraiser is what makes it possible to keep the program and other activities fully funded, she said.
The library was first built in 1929 and closed in the 1970s. For 35–plus years it remained closed until a coalition of volunteers gleaned money from grants, donations and fundraisers to re-open the institution. The library reopened in 2015 and is operated out of the General Fund, book sales, donations and fundraisers.
“Since reopening, the Halsey Public Library has worked to expand its offerings, adding a free seed library and food preservation appliances for patrons to check-out,” Parra said. “We continue to work to expand our program offerings, with fun and engaging Summer Reading events, themed story time, and fund craft events for families. All proceeds from our 5k fundraiser event go to supporting these library events.”
Winners of the run are: Women – Jenna Sukle, 29:42; Sarah Skelton, 29:58; and Hillary Pope, 30:03. Men – Jake Swanson, 19:54; Travis Anderson, 25:06; and Kyle Gangle, 26:48. Youth – William Jones, 45:26; Kian Fagan, 59:54; and Avery and Jackson Fagan, 64:00.