Progress.

Some time has passed since the “I Love Libraries” blog challenge, and I must share the results!

This year, Jennifer Hubbard’s brainchild raised over $5,300 in cash plus $300 in books, from among 40+ blogger participants like myself. She updated her blog in three (three!) parts: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3. As for my personal comment/donation total: I saw your $128 and rounded up to $150, and recently mailed the check to Evanston Public Library Friends. ¡Excelente! Thanks, readers and commenters! (Unfortunately, I did not hear back from Jeremy Piven’s verified account on Twitter. Having spent his formative years in Evanston, I figured he’d be game for at least a reply tweet – but I got nothing. Evanstonians, unite!)

On that note: Evanston Public Library Friends have been fundraising to keep their branch libraries open, and they’re well on their way to a six-month, $200,000 goal. This $200K will fund the existing branch libraries through the end of the fiscal year, including South Branch rent for the next fiscal year. It will also expand neighborhood outreach, including a newly board-approved reading program in west Evanston.

Coming up is EPLF’s biggest fundraising effort yet.

Evanston Public Library Friends’ Armchair Auction
Kicking off this Saturday, May 15, online.
Bid until Wednesday, June 2, from the comfort of your internet connection.

You don’t have to live in Evanston to appreciate these prizes. You can even browse the drool-worthy selections NOW before the fun begins!
You’ll find:

  • Dinner with best-selling author, Evanston native Audrey Niffenegger
  • Autographed copies of Evanston author Scott Turow’s best-sellers
  • Sox, Bears, Blackhawks tickets
  • Artwork
  • Jewelry
  • Spa treatments
  • Vacation getaways

These fantastic prizes (and more) go live May 15th through June 2 on www.eplfriendsauction.org.

Do NOT miss this fun, genius way to help support libraries and literacy.

If you’d like to donate an item for auction, please visit www.eplfriendsauction.org or email auction@eplfriends.org.

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