Library Celebrates Prendergasts’ Irish Heritage With St. Patrick’s Day Event
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In celebration of the Prendergasts' Irish heritage and a popular holiday, the library opened its doors to the public with green and gold abounding.
At the Prendergast Library's first St. Patrick's Day Celebration, visitors were welcomed in to enjoy a one-of-a-kind evening complete with wine, beer, a fun, Irish-themed photo booth and Celtic music. Guests could also place their ticket in a door prize drawing. The door prize consisted of Irish-themed books and other items.
Tom Rankin, Prendergast library Board of Trustees president, said the event was centered around raising funds for the library while maintaining a light-hearted, enjoyable atmosphere.
"We're taking advantage of a fortunate calendar situation this year for St. Patrick's Day," Rankin said. "We had some donated beer and wine, and we wanted to have a little party. This is a fun way for folks to come in and have an inexpensive evening and support the library."
He said he is especially thankful to Arthur R. Gren Company for sponsoring the evening's festivities. The event is the first of its kind for St. Patrick's Day.
"This was an attempt for folks to come in and have some fun," Rankin said. "This is the first time we're having an informal event here at the library, but we've gone to local bars and stuff to do this, but we had the donated beverages, so we thought we'd try it in-house this time."
He said there is a hope that events such as these will continue in the future. Rankin said it is a low-key, casual atmosphere that lends itself to these types of events.
"Folks in the area can walk (to the library)," Rankin said. "We hope to do more of these throughout the years coming up. We're trying to help ourselves, but at the same time, have some fun with these events."
Tina Scott, library executive director, said events such as these are helpful for the library's fundraising efforts.
"This is something relaxed, comfortable and fun," Scott said. "I think that works out well for us because we have a lot less staff."
She said the library expected to see about 35 guests throughout the evening. She said the party was an opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and the Irish history of the Prendergast family while benefiting the library at the same time.
Scott said this is not the first time alcohol has been served inside the library, as there have been occasions such as going away parties and other festivities that have occurred. However, due to the library selling the alcohol, a licence was necessary.
Overall, Scott said it is important for the public to come visit the library and see how things have changed over the years.
"It's not you're grandmother's library," she said.