Hit the Monroeville library after hours during inaugural Winter Walk

Just in time for the holidays, The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library will hold a Winter Walk event for adults over the age of 21 Dec. 4.

The walk will be part of the Blanket the Library PLUS fundraising event, which began Nov. 15 and will run through Dec. 15. Those attending the Winter Walk can bid on crafted items that are part of the fundraising event, visit a cash-and-carry table for last-minute gifts, create notes for homebound patrons, buy raffle tickets for gift baskets and take a “shelfie” with characters in the stacks.

While the Blanket the Library event has happened in the past, the Winter Walk is just now being introduced. It’s being held after normal operating hours.

“We know that people were home and busy, being creative,” said Diane Lindsey, president of The Friends of the Monroeville Public Library. “We thought this would be a great way to spotlight a lot of our local craftspeople and make some money for the library, for the benefit of the library.

“We had previously done a Blanket the Library several years ago, about four years ago. So, this is new that we’re going to have the Winter Walk through the library.”

Guests can enter beginning at 4 p.m. Tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the library circulation desk for $15 or at the door for $20 if the event has not sold out.

To allow for increased social distancing, the tickets will permit entrance at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. or 6 p.m. Those interested will choose their desired entry time with limited tickets available for each slot.

Each ticket comes with a gift basket including a split of wine from Bushy Run Winery, treats from Baked with Love and SpectroDolce Confectionery and more. The wine in the basket is the primary reason the event is limited to adults at least 21 years old.

“It’s a chance to give the public the opportunity to come in after hours and be able to take a stroll through all of the wonderful crafts that are out for silent auction,” said Alice Rathjen, public relations contractor for the library. “Also seeing the different tables, each one providing a different treat. … It’s getting people excited for the holiday season and the upcoming winter.”

Local crafts guilds were contacted to gauge interest in participating in Blanket the Library, which includes a display of blankets, crocheted and knitted items, fabric wall arts, quilts, jewelry, photography and stained glass.

As part of that event, an animal food drive is taking place through its conclusion Dec. 15. Dog and cat canned foods will aid the Monroeville Animal Shelter.

Animals from the shelter used their paws and tails, with non-toxic and washable paint, to create some of the displayed art. The Friends of the Monroeville Library will make a donation to the shelter based on any proceeds from animal-created items.

Masks will be required during the event. An award for the best mask will be presented each hour.

“Make it fun and visit with each other,” Lindsey said. “After so long being isolated, it’s kind of nice to get back in the library and celebrate some good things. … This is going to be a very cheerful celebration that we all made it through and to celebrate our local craftspeople. It will be good to see everybody and to welcome them back into the library.”