Northland Library in McCandless hosting children's, circus-themed gala

Come monkey around at The Children’s Gala 2023: A Storybook Circus on Sept. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m., at the Northland Public Library, 300 Cumberland Road.

Tickets are on sale at $25 per person. Children under 2 are admitted free, and all children receive a complimentary goody bag.

“I’m determined to make the outdoor pavilion look like a circus big-top tent as much as possible. We’re thrilled to have the support of so many local businesses and individuals as sponsors,” said Alexis McKinley, director of the Northland Public Library Foundation and director of development at Northland Public Library.

The event is presented by AHN Wexford along with numerous local sponsors.

Proceeds from the gala will be used to help garner a share of matching funds offered through the Love Your Library program by the Allegheny County Library Association.

“The Foundation is particularly excited to be hosting this event during September’s Love Your Library campaign. Thanks to the generosity of the Jack Buncher Foundation, every penny Northland raises during the month of September, up to $500 per donor, is eligible for a pro-rated portion of a $200,000 match pool available to Allegheny County libraries,” McKinley said.

Children’s gala will feature local professional magician Steve Haberman, who will perform kid-friendly magic and illusions. There will be circus-themed foods including hot dogs from Texas Roadhouse, treats from Mars Popcorn Co., cotton candy and more. Kids can meet Pete the Cat and Biscuit, and enjoy Books with Bubbles Story Time from the Goldfish Swim School.

Circus staples of carnival games, a balloon artist, a scavenger hunt, face painting and live music are part of the event, McKinley said.

Guests can try their luck at a basket raffle or a 50/50 raffle. There will also be a book pull, where, for $10, a guest can purchase a mystery-wrapped children’s book based on a written clue.

This is the first children’s gala, building on last year’s Storybook-Palooza fundraiser, said McKinley.

“This year’s event is going to be much bigger and better with new branding as the ‘Children’s Gala’ … and a fun circus theme,” she said.

This is considered a kid-version of the annual Garden Gala held every spring.

The library will close early at p.m. on Sept. 30 to accommodate the event set-up and decorating.

“September is our biggest fundraising push of the year because of the potential matching funds from the Jack Buncher Foundation,” McKinley said. “Last year, Northland raised more than $50,000 in the month of September through a combination of monetary donations, the Fall Book Sale, food fundraisers (namely) Moe’s and Zroni Rolls, the Book Nook, and the Storybook-Palooza event,” she said.

To get tickets, visit www.northlandlibrary.org.

More information about the Love Your Library fundraising event is available through www.loveyourlibrary.org.