Library fundraiser focuses on ‘Books, Bites and Beverages’

Nothing could be better than spending a night sipping a drink, perusing a novel and striking up a conversation about a literary figure.

The Churchill County Library’s major fundraiser of the year has changed its format to “Books, Bites and Beverages: A Library Adventure” on Friday beginning at 6:30 p.m.

“We’ve tried to make this event more book friendly considering we’re the library,” said librarian Carol Lloyd.

This year’s fundraiser, which is organized by the Churchill Library Association, focuses on seven novels, and Lloyd said a table will be set up for each book accompanied by specifically selected appetizers and beverage. This year’s library association is a blend of new and seasoned members.

For Larry McMurty’s classic novel, “Lonesome Dove,” for example, Lloyd said the fare includes chili, a “Cocktail Buckskin” consisting of whiskey and butterscotch schnapps and a variety of raffle tickets for specific items chosen for the book’s theme. Lloyd said an artist recently donated a painting that is a reproduction of a Frederic Remington scene of a cowboy.

Lloyd said raffle tickets will be available for sale, and guests may deposit the tickets at any table.

Other novels include “The City of Brass” by S.A. Chakraborty, “Sourdough” by Robin Sloan, “H is for Hawk” by Helen MacDonald, “The Monk of Mokha” by Dave Eggers, “Creole Belle” by James Lee Burke and “Banana Cream Pie Murder” by Joanne Fluke.

“We wanted to mix it up this year, and we like the book concept,” Lloyd said. “We’re introducing books our guests may never have read.”

Lloyd said the library is working with Battle Born Wines in Gardnerville this year and their expertise in paring the correct wine with the food.

“We’ll also have bottles of wine for sale,” Lloyd added.

Lloyd said she is grateful for the community and its generosity when donating items to the fundraiser. Money derived from “Books, Bites and Beverages: A Library Adventure” will help fund the summer reading program, Books for Babies in conjunction with Banner Churchill Community Hospital and author events.

“Next year we’re planning more author events,” Lloyd said, adding the fundraiser gives the library more money to sponsor current and additional programs. “Events like this are important.”

Lloyd said the added funds have helped the summer reading program, which showed an increase of 100 more participants.

Tickets may be purchased for $25 each at the library, 553 S. Maine Street, prior to the event or at the door on Friday.