Monroeville Library in full swing for mini golf fundraiser

Both floors of the Monroeville Public Library were transformed into a miniature golf course recently for a popular fundraising event.

The first part of the day was a family- friendly activity for all ages, from the morning through afternoon. Tickets included one round of golf.

The evening’s time slot, for ages 21 and older, allowed for unlimited play and ran until 9:45.

Local organizations and businesses could choose to sponsor an obstacle or hole, or both. Businesses were welcome to decorate their spaces or have the library decorate for them.

At Hole 19, golfers were able to choose a prize, either a stuffed animal or a bagged mystery selection. The tee was sponsored by Disaster Restoration Services, which also provided the funds for all of the prizes.

Other sponsors included Gateway High School Robotics, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Divine Mercy Academy, Monroeville Recreation and Parks, S&T Bank, Irwin Interiors Systems and Friends of the Monroeville Public Library.

“The Friends are happy to be an obstacle sponsor for the library’s mini-golf event,” Diane Lindsey, the organization’s president, said. “Members of the Friends also showed their support of the event by volunteering, donating baked goods, and through personal donations for a Family Fun Night raffle basket.”

Not only did the library staff members assist with the mini golf setup, but some also went the extra mile.

Assistant director Alan Rader sewed a large pet bed and donated it for a raffle prize. According to Alice Rathjen, head of public relations, Rader created the bed by using fabric that was donated to the library.

Office manager Rose Shirer and her husband, Mark, were runners-up in Monroeville’s 2023 Holiday Lights contest, and during miniature golf, they decorated their area of the library in Christmas lights for a spectacular show.

This was the second year for the library’s mini-golf experience. Rathjen noted that ticket sales for the family session doubled from last year, and sales for the evening tripled, not including walk-ins.

“We’re so excited that we were able to bring it back again,“ she said. ”It’s great that the community and people in surrounding areas are able to come visit the library and see what we do.”

All proceeds from the event benefit the library, located at 4000 Gateway Campus Blvd.