Open The Book Gala Seeks More Donations As Library Budget Is Cut

Each year the (HTFL) holds its annual fall fundraiser known as the Open the Book Gala in October. This year’s Gala was held at the in Havertown last weekend.

More than 80 people paid $75 a plate to attend the Gala, which is one of several fundraisers held during the year.

“The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania cut public library budgets 32 percent over the last two years. In 2010 our budget was cut 21 percent and another 11 percent this year, representing a significant loss to us and causing us to pare back hours in 2010," Christine Faris, Director of the Haverford Township Free Library says to the Haverford-Havertown Patch. "Our State allotment in dollars was reduced $60,000 in 2010, and another $24,000 in 2011. The State has already approved its budget for 2012, and the public library appropriation will be flat.” 

Additionally, says Faris, “A $20,000 gift from the township went towards restoring the reduced library hours that were cut last year. But the remaining $20,000 needed to restore the lost hours has to come from other donations.

The library had a deficit in 2010 of almost $20,000, a projected deficit in 2011 of $85,000, and another deficit projected in 2012. 

“Times are challenging, the county funding is minimal at $7,000. The Township of Haverford gave us our largest appropriation of $995,000 in 2011. These funds go towards salaries for 30 staff members, building expenses and repairs, which have been significant over the last few years due to the age of the library," Faris admits.

Attendees at the gala browsed the silent auction table, which included autographed children’s books, original drawings, autographed sports memorabilia, visits to Harrisburg, amusement park tickets and gift certificates to local restaurants. The silent auction brought in $2,500 along with $3,800 from business sponsors. Dinner and dancing followed the awards ceremony. Music was provided by the Big Package Band, from Wilmington, Del. The 10-piece band played jazz, funk and big band music.

At the gala, three awards were given to Haverford Township residents for their service to the HTFL. The John and Mary Lou Toal Award of Honor was given to Mary Lou McBride and Carmen Shelton. Both McBride and Shelton did SAT workshops and programs at the Library and donated all the proceeds to the HTFL.

The Community Partner Award was given to Freedom Playground Association and accepted by Ann Phillips, Chairperson. 

“Ann developed the Freedom Playground’s concept designed to meet the needs of township residents through an accessible free venue for all residents, much like the public library,” Faris says.

The Outstanding Library Advocate Award was given to Mary Beth Tomeny and Natalie Tomasco, co-chairs of the Friends of the Haverford Township Free Library. Both volunteered their time to the library for over eight years working on various programs to benefit the Library.

The Friends of the Library is a separate 501(c)3 organization and they fundraiser year round.

“In the last eight years they (Tomeny and Tomasco) have raised over $100,000 to help us purchase furniture, library materials, shelving, subsidize programs, and much more.  Without their help, we would not be able to do as much as we would like for the community,” Faris explains.

While the total money raised at the gala will not be available for a couple of weeks, the money raised will be added to the $25,000 already raised so far this year.

“We always need money," says Faris. "We are finishing our 2011 appeal but we will start again in December for the 2012 budget.”

Additional donations can be made by check to Haverford Township Free Library, 1601 Darby Road, Havertown, PA  19083, or online.