The Fourth Annual Chocolate and Wine Festival once again benefited both the Association and the hospital. It was the biggest yet, and committee chairperson Tom Follert (of Chocolates by Leopold) delivered a check for $10,000! We're very grateful to have been chosen as one of the beneficiaries, and we thank the Chocolate & Wine Festival Board and Committee members and the many volunteers who made the Festival a success.

The Chocolate and Wine Festival is held on the third Saturday in May, so in 2012 the date will be May 19th, from 3pm to 7pm. Visit their website for more details on this exciting event, which features "lots of great music, arts and crafts, wine & chocolate recipe demonstrations, wine making lectures and gourmet food & fine chocolate candy samplings that make a perfect backdrop for wine, wine, wine!"

Steve, his wife Heather, and shoes!

As part of the Pennsylvania "One Book, Every Young Child" initiative, author Steve Swinburne entertained and educated children throughout Susquehanna County on April 8th. He visited the Blue Ridge, Forest City, and Susquehanna elementary schools, and also did a presentation in Montrose for the Treasure House and Angel Beginnings daycares--all in one day! Steve's book Whose Shoes? A Shoe for Every Job was the title chosen for the 2011 program. Borrow it at your local library and enjoy it with a child!

(l to r): Susan Stone, Max Brewer, children's librarian Karen Braker-Reed

Max Brewer is an avid reader and library user. He's also an author/illustrator whose book, Mr. Toad and Mrs. Toad, won first prize in the Write and Illustrate Your Own Picture Book Contest. For his tenth birthday, he decided to do something special--instead of gifts, he asked his friends to make donations to the Susquehanna County Library. Max raised $250 to benefit the Library Building Fund. "We are delighted with Max's generosity!" says Susan Stone, Administrator/Librarian. "It's especially heartwarming and inspiring to see a child be so community-oriented and supportive of the need for a new headquarters," added Mrs. Stone. Please join us in thanking Max and wishing him a happy tenth birthday!

On March 22nd, the 2011 Support Drive for the Susquehanna County Historical Society & Free Library Association reached its goal of 1000 donations to the drive. Administrator/Librarian Susan Stone says, "A huge thank you goes to all of our valued supporters, and we thank and congratulate the board members and volunteers who made the drive possible! We depend on the financial support of the community to help us continue to provide excellent library services to the entire county, and to support the Historical Society and museum, especially during these times of state cuts."

Local support is one of the factors used to determine the amount of funding provided by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania--the more local support, the more funding received. Last year's funding was reduced during the year to create an additional cut, and the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year drops again, but by a very small amount. If the budget passes, in today's climate it counts as a win--meaning that the Governor and legislators recognize that with 35% in total cuts over two years, libraries have already sacrificed disproportionately. "It's wonderful to see that the message about our role in education at all ages, and in providing a life-line to people affected by the economic downturn, is finally getting through! We owe that also to our advocates and supporters, and we thank them as well as our state government," adds Mrs. Stone.

Of course, it would be even more wonderful to exceed the goal! Contributions are accepted at any time to help support the Library and Historical Society in your community. Stop by your local library to pick up a support card, or click here for a printable one.