200 show love Sunday for Leechburg Community Library

The Leechburg Community Library has only been reopened about 2½ months, but its growing community support was easy to see at a fundraiser Sunday.

At least 200 people bought $8 tickets to take part in a benefit spaghetti dinner.

By 2 p.m., a gigantic 50-50 container was more than half-full of tickets, and at least 150 people had already enjoyed dinner and catching up with people inside the Marconi Club. The doors were open until 4.

The benefit’s purpose was to get operating money for the library. The 93-year-old library closed in May, but a community effort reopened its doors Sept. 3.

The library board is seeking to restore card-carrying members. A book club for adults meets inside the library on Saturdays and a knitting and crochet club has started up.

A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving celebration will be held Tuesday, Nov. 26, and numerous other events are being planned for children.

“We want to buy new books, too,” said board President Karen Freilino of Leechburg.

A baked goods auction and a baking contest also were part of Sunday’s festivities.

Jen Busch of Leechburg won the best baked goods contest with a black-and-white cheesecake. She was designated “star baker” of Leechburg.

She baked two of the treats for Sunday. One was sliced and judged.

The second goodie was waiting to be auctioned off; Jami Wolmer and Karen Gibbon, both of Leechburg, were selling auction tickets.

“We’re friends of the library,” Wolmer said.

“This is wonderful,” said Teressa Hunter of Gilpin.

Note: This story was updated to correct the date of the Charlie Brown party.