LAKEWOOD — Lakewood Memorial Library board members and volunteers are getting geared up for the library’s first ever online auction.

“The Autumn Auction: All Online” will run from Oct. 28 through Nov. 1. Participants can bid at any time, night or day, on dozens of items donated by local individuals and businesses.

“Normally, we would hold a silent auction at our fall fundraiser,” said board member Carrie Cadwell Brown. “But since we can’t host a crowd at the library this year, we decided to take the plunge and try an online format. It will be much more convenient for people, who can view and bid on the items anytime, day or night, once the auction site goes live on Oct. 28.”

Bidders can view and bid on items by visiting the auction site at lakewoodlibrary.org. They can choose from dozens of items of all kinds and at all price points. Some of the featured items from local businesses and individuals include a gift certificate good for a two-night stay at Celoron’s Harbor Hotel, ski passes from Holiday Valley and a library chair and factory tour from Fancher Chair, as well as original art, books, posters, gift certificates, and much, much more.

Bidders will also have the chance to see the auction items not only online but also up close and in person in the library’s Heritage room. Visitors to the display will be asked to maintain a social distance and to refrain from touching anything. All library patrons are required to wear masks.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Lakewood Memorial Library’s new Literacy Partners Program in support of the families of SWCSD students. With high-speed Wifi, free computer use and space for socially distanced interaction, the library is uniquely positioned to serve families encountering the challenges of online learning. Auction revenues will be used to build the library’s digital and traditional learning materials to benefit students of all ages. They will also help to fund the library’s newly-extended hours. It is now open until 8 pm from Monday through Thursday.

For more information, visit lakewoodlibrary.org.