The Sylvan Lake Municipal Library is hosting a holiday silent auction from Dec. 2 to Dec. 13.
The silent auction is being held to foster community engagement, strengthen ties with residents, and raise funds for library programs and resources, head library programmer Corrie Brown said.
"This event will showcase local artists and businesses, creating a festive atmosphere while promoting unique gift ideas for the holiday season. Additionally, we aim to encourage library use by attracting more visitors and raising awareness of the services offered, ultimately benefiting both the library and the community it serves."
Available for participants to bid on at the auction are ten bundles and items, including a smartwatch, a deer camera, a children's playhouse, a Sipped Tea tea set, remote control cars, lamps, and various gift certificates, including a three-night glamping experience at Black Sheep Camp.
The library is grateful for the support from community members and organizations that donated to the auction, Brown said.
"We have received generous donations from Wood Shed Axe Throwing, Tacoz and Treatz, Parkland Regional Library System, Lakewood Golf Resort, MAID to Shine, Petal and Blum, Black Sheep Camp, Canadian Tire, as well as contributions from patrons and a few anonymous donors. The total value of these donations exceeds $3,000."
"The community is incredibly generous, and the Library takes pride in supporting its members and organizations," she added.
On Nov. 29, Library volunteers assembled the bundles to set up the auction for Dec. 2.
"The library extends a heartfelt thank you to all the volunteers who are helping with the planning and execution of this fundraiser," Brown said.
To participate in the silent auction, people will need to register at the front desk to receive a unique bidding number, which they will then use to place bids on items.
"Bidding numbers are used to protect participants' personal information, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for all. Each bid must be higher than the previous one and should be written on the designated bid sheets next to each item," Brown said.
The auction will officially open at 1 p.m. on Dec. 2 and will close at 5 p.m. on Dec. 13.
The person with the highest bid when the auction closes will win the item they bid on, Brown said.
"Winners will be notified after the auction concludes, and payment can be made at the library via cash, card, or cheque. Winning items must be picked up at the library by Dec. 20."
All fundraising initiatives held by the library, including the holiday silent auction, support the library's operations and capital projects.
"While the Library is primarily funded by the Municipality, it strives to be respectful of taxpayer dollars by only requesting the necessary funds to operate. These initiatives enable the Library to offer additional services, such as reading devices for print-disabled patrons, a PlayStation 5 for the teen area, and new furniture to create a comfortable and welcoming environment," Brown said.
"They also allow us to provide barrier-free programming, including free and subsidized Pottery Nights in partnership with Next of Kiln and Paint Nights with local artist Mellissa Hall," she added.
More information on the silent auction and other library events and initiatives can be found on the Sylvan Lake Municipal Library Facebook page.
