Although spring may be taking its time coming to Newburyport, it will certainly be invading the Newburyport Public Library on April 5th, the night of the 3rd annual Books-In-Bloom Fundraiser.
Longtime school librarian, and Friends of the Library Board member Judy Avery shared some of the history of the event.
“Books in Bloom is based on the idea of the Boston Museum of Fine Arts’ “Art in Bloom” and was introduced to the Friends of the Library by Head Librarian Cynthia Dadd after she was involved with a similar program in Arlington.
The evening is a joint effort of the Friends of the Library and the Newburyport Horticultural Society and is meant to be a social affair and incidentally to raise funds for both groups. The Friends were seeking a new fundraising venue and including the gardening group, was a ‘natural’. Both organizations reach out to add value to our community.”
The event is a ‘festive spring soiree’ where floral arrangements will be auctioned off. But don’t be mistaken, these are not your average grocery store bouquets. Artists combine a love of literature with a passion for perennials to create flower arrangements inspired by their favorite literary pieces. Last year, a piece based on the book “The Cat in the Hat” by Dr. Suess contained a live goldfish.
According to Ms. Avery, “the fun of the Books is Bloom is that each floral ‘artist’ is free to interpret the chosen book in any way. These ‘artists’ range from professional florists to amateur gardeners to ordinary folks. Last year there were about 30 arrangements addressing a wide range of books from Tiptoe Through the Tombstones to Go Dog Go! There is something for everyone!”
Although she has retired from her work in the schools, libraries remain very much a part of Ms. Avery’s life. Especially the Newburyport Public Library. And the Friends of the library.
“Our Library is a vital place, open to all. The Friends help to expand the offerings of the library beyond the shelves. Technology, museum passes, and programs for all ages are supported by the Friends. I think I have been a Friend of the Library for 30 years. The Library was the first place I went after moving here. I have been on the Board for more than 20 years!”
Whether you consider yourself an amateur or a professional floral designer, the Friends welcome you to pick up a submission form at the library and try your hand at combining botany with books. Join the Friends and the Horticultural Society, and welcome spring. The event is a great opportunity for a fun night on the town, and your support enables these two groups to continue doing the often undervalued work that keeps Newburyport a treasure for both visitors and locals.
The Friends of the Newburyport Public Library provides the funding for many of the beloved library programs. They also keep the library modern with capital improvements not included in the city budget. This fundraiser will allow the Friends to continue this work by making up some of the difference caused by lower interest rates on endowment accounts.
The Newburyport Horticultural Society’s contributions can be seen all around Newburyport, including the plantings in the Rail Trail garden and the Kelley School Community Center gardens.
So, at 6:30pm, on Saturday April 5th, the Friends invite all to the Library, where you can enjoy live music, light refreshments, beer and wine, and raffles, while perusing the various floral creations and bidding on their favorites in the silent auction.
Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the front desk of the library or by calling Debbie Knight at 978-465-3469, or at the door.