Sunderland Public Library auction to run Nov. 6-13

A sampling of items up for auction during the Friends of the Sunderland Public Library’s annual fall auction, which features items from local craftspeople and businesses.

A sampling of items up for auction during the Friends of the Sunderland Public Library’s annual fall auction, which features items from local craftspeople and businesses. STAFF PHOTO/CHRIS LARABEE

By CHRIS LARABEE

Staff Writer

Published: 10-29-2024 11:03 AM

SUNDERLAND — After a record-setting year in 2023, the Friends of the Sunderland Public Library’s annual auction is back and looking to raise even more money for the library.

The auction will open up on Nov. 6 and runs through Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. The Friends expect more than 150 items to be up for auction, as people can bid on homemade arts and crafts from people around the valley, as well as gift cards to local businesses and even a weekend at Cape Cod.

“It’s a fun thing,” said Barbara Morrell, a member of the Friends of the Sunderland Public Library. “There’s a lot of community involvement and a lot of community artists we like to highlight. It’s a win-win for everybody.”

While the auction kicks off on Nov. 6, the public is invited to stop by the library during business hours on Friday, Nov. 1, and Saturday, Nov. 2, to view the items that will be up for bidding. Friend of the Sunderland Public Library Carol Ryan said this viewing period is an opportunity for people to actually physically view items and get a sense of their size, particularly in relation to clothing.

Proceeds from the fundraiser, Library Director Katherine Umstot said, go toward things Sunderland’s budget cannot fund, such as technology, programming and musical performances and other initiatives.

“We’re excited to do it again,” Umstot said. “It’s been such a unique and fun fundraiser for the library.”

The Friends set a fundraising goal of $2,500 last year and surpassed it with a record-setting amount of $3,200. This year, Ryan said, their target is $4,000.

Alongside donations from local craftspeople, numerous Sunderland businesses have contributed gift cards for the auction, including, but not limited to, Commonwealth Strength Gym, McCoy’s Hair Salon, Frontier Pizza, Millstone Market, Banchan Korean Deli and Bridgeside Grille.

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While the auction is completely online, payments can be made either through a credit/debit card or with a cash or check at the library, when people pick up the items they won. The Friends of the Sunderland Public Library will contact winners to arrange payment.

Bidding kicks off on the morning of Nov. 6 and remains open through Nov. 13 at 5 p.m. For more information about the auction, including a link to view and bid on items, visit sunderlandpubliclibrary.org/auction.

Chris Larabee can be reached at clarabee@recorder.com.