Bollywood Nights, theme of the 6th Annual Librarypalooza held at Central Park Library on Feb. 2, was such a hit that generous attendees pledged $74,000 for the support of library programs and services not covered by city funding.
This was well beyond the evening’s goal of $60,000 and sets the bar high for 2020. Also, the fundraiser, organized by the nonprofit Santa Clara City Library Foundation and Friends (SCCLFF), exceeded the 2018 amount raised by $20,000. SiliconSage Builders was the 2019 lead sponsor.
“The night was a success,” said SCCLFF executive director Tracy Wingrove. “Not only did we exceed our goal, but we brought the community together to celebrate our library.”
A live auction took place in the Redwood Room, where the library-loving attendees — many dressed Bollywood style in colorful Indian attire — raised their bid cards high to fund the library programs dearest to their hearts, such as the literacy, summer reading, and ESL conversation programs.
“The Santa Clara city libraries play an important role providing a safe place for patrons of all backgrounds to learn and practice their English, to make friends, and to become part of our community,” said Wingrove. “I am so proud to support an organization that educates and celebrates our multicultural community.”
Librarypalooza attendees were whipped to a frenzy of good-natured bidding competition over live auction experiences unique to Santa Clara. Lunch with Mission Branch Library manager Justin Wasterlain went for $700.
Not to be outdone by her colleague, Northside Branch Library manager Cheryl Lee made a rap appeal for attendees to bid for lunch with her. She drew laughter and a winning bid of $1,100.
Another exciting bidding battle was over a Mission Neighborhood guided tour led by retired Santa Clara history librarian Mary Hanel. The bidding peaked at $2,1000, the highest live auction bid of the evening.
Other popular Santa Clara experiences auctioned were eight hours of games at the Isle of Gamers, a six-course dinner for eight at Fleming’s, a wine and art night at VinoArtist, and an afternoon of creativity at Get Crafty. All totaled, the live auction experiences raised $7,500.
Library Hero
Called a fund and friend raiser, the Librarypalooza was also an opportunity to recognize faithful friends of the library.
A Santa Clara resident since 1994, Keith Stattenfield, who served on the SCCLFF board for two terms, was honored as Library Hero of the Year.
After accepting his award from last year’s hero, Bob Byrd, Stattenfield shared that he grew up in Wisconsin, where he learned to read early and read a lot. His mom took him to the library almost every Saturday.
“I always had a book in my back jeans pocket,” said Stattenfield, a software engineer at Apple.
“Libraries are one of the best civic things we have,” he continued. “They are one of the few civic institutions no one can hate.”
“Lots of things the government does affect only part of the community, but no matter who you are, you can use the library. It makes it possible for the least privileged to the most fortunate, to attend programs and learn things.”
For information about SCCLFF, visit www.lovethelibrary.org. For information about Santa Clara’s three libraries and bookmobile, visit http://santaclaraca.gov/government/departments/library.
