Via Community News Service, a University of Vermont journalism internship, for the Times Argus
BARRE — Last Saturday evening, more than 170 patrons of the Aldrich Public Library gathered for the annual Spring Fling dinner, a community tradition and fundraiser going back more than 20 years.
For the night, the circulation desk was converted to a bar, with a line wrapped all the way around. The bartender uncorked a bottle of Barr Hill Gin with a satisfying pop. In the next room over, platters from Pearl Street Pizza and Morse Block Deli lined an entire wall. The air was full of conversation, Americana and swing music, and the rattle of a cocktail shaker.
The evening had just begun, and the rooms were already full of people. In between bites, patrons chatted or browsed the stacks.
The event came at an uncertain time for the library, which faces new struggles to fund general operations and maintenance. While Barre City’s budget committee has continually approved the library’s funding requests, Barre Town’s has been more hesitant. Voters in the town and the city will decide next month.
On Saturday, there was an opportunity to try and close any gap.
Library Director Kristin Baumann told the crowd an anonymous donor had pledged $10,000 to the library — but only if the community matched that amount by April 27.
“That’s a really big deal to us. That’s how we keep the lights on,” Baumann said.
Nancy Pope, president of the Aldrich Library Board of Trustees, continued when Baumann was overcome with emotion. Pope said that the year before, the same benefactor had offered the same deal, and the community was able to match the donation.
It’s time again for the community to step up to the plate, she said.
Meanwhile, Baumann said she remains grateful for all the support the community has already offered. “You mean the world to us,” Baumann said.