Library Block Party
The Library Block Party will feature face painting and other festivities for children. Photo by Dan Starnes.
Library Block Party
Benefiting the Homewood Public Library Foundation
Saturday, Aug. 15
5-8 p.m.
Homewood Public Library Parking Lot
$20 adults, $5 kids
Buy tickets at HomewoodPublicLibrary.org
Last year the Homewood Public Library Foundation Board didn’t know what to expect with its first Block Party fundraiser. But before long, more than 250 people came out to eat, celebrate and connect with new friends and old ones.
Come Aug. 15, they are hoping the event continues to grow just as its board has.
This year five restaurants — Nabeel’s, Jojo’s on Broadway, Demitri’s, Little Donkey and Homewood Gourmet — are teaming up to create a cohesive menu for adults. Because the food is donated, all $20 paid for each adult ticket goes directly to the library. Entry for kids is $5, which includes activities and Dave’s Pizza.
“The businesses are so generous to donate the food,” said Fran Jones, chair of Library Foundation Board.
Good People Brewing Company will also be coming as well as Rush Wines, which will provide wine tasting. Jones said people can also just come for free to enjoy the festival without food.
This year the foundation is adding a live band in addition to an acoustic set as well as a dunking booth that they hope will attract teenagers in addition to adults and kids.
“We are trying to get the whole crowd the library represents to come,” Jones said. “The whole community uses the library.”
Paul Doran first had the idea to start the foundation in 2011 to provide additional funding for the library. Homewood Public Library receives funds from the city for existing programs, but not for long-term growth projects. That’s where the foundation’s fundraising comes in.
After the Block Party, the foundation hopes to start on its first project, adding new outdoor lighting in the parking lot. Jones said that between this event, last year’s Block Party and a third fundraiser held in April at Good People Brewing Company, they should have the funds they need for the lighting and can start looking at new signage as well.
Ultimately, the foundation hopes to grow and take on larger projects. Long term they would like to add a new computer lab on the main floor; now it is located in the basement. One day they would also like to build an auditorium to host concerts and other events.
“I’m looking forward to [the Block Party] growing,” Jones said. “All of Homewood benefits from the library in one way or another.”
Library Foundation Board members are Fran Jones, George Elliott, John Krontiras, Lois Woodward, Julee Potter, Ann Chapman, Laura Blackstock, Melissa Schultz-Jones, Jennifer Schmidt, Julie Mizerany, Joe Sanders, Roy Morton amd Hunter Payne.
Tickets are available on the library’s website. For more information contact Heather Cover at hcover@bham.lib.al.us or 332-6621.
