Mary Bosek, library board member (left) and Library Director Shannon Donovan (right) with some of the 75+ baskets and gift cards that will be raffled at the May 3 library fundraiser. Submitted photo

BEMUS POINT — The Bemus Point Library is looking to raise money for some much needed upgrades to certain parts of the library through an upcoming fundraiser at the beginning of May.

The fundraiser, titled Books ‘n Brews, will be held at Ellicottville Brewing on Chautauqua, 57 Lakeside Drive. The event starts at 4 p.m. on May 3 and lasts until closing.

Co-chair of the event and library volunteer, Mary Ellen Fritz, said that the main reason this fundraiser is needed is because of the size of the library.

“We are one of the smallest libraries in the county with a huge community impact,” Fritz said. “We are pretty much one huge room and we are right on the lake so we get a ton of tourists. With this fundraiser we will be raising money to update our facilities and computers.”

The library’s computers are used on a daily basis by the community, Fritz said. The library also offers a well-recognized kids program along with other reading programs and clubs. In 2023 the library’s director and librarian Shannon Donovan was honored by the global organization Judy’s Library that sends books to different military bases around the world.

At the event on May 3, over 75 gift cards and baskets will be available in a raffle. Gift cards and baskets are available for pre-purchase at the library beginning on April 19. Fritz said even more are set to be at the event itself. All gift cards and baskets have been donated by local businesses, and Fritz added that they are delighted at the amount of businesses that have donated so far. There will also be hourly raffles of EBC gift cards. The event will also be on the first day of Bemus Blooming, so local businesses will be open.

Live entertainment begins at 6 p.m. and EBC will be serving signature drinks, with a new menu. The library gets a portion of all of the proceeds. A basket menu will also be available while attendees wait for their food, with all baskets worth at least $50. Items available include a gift card from a local Ford Dealer and a skateboard from Jamestown Skate Products.

“We have baskets for everyone,” Fritz said. “We have leather bound books, cocktail sets, bird feeders and more. We also have ten kids baskets.”

Fritz said people should come out to the event to help support the library. The library offers free internet, copy abilities and WiFi for the public, which can also allow local kids to use it for school projects. The library is a part of the Chautauqua-Cattaraugus Library System, so if someone is looking for a book they do not offer they are able to get it through the system within a few days.

“It’s a community center for Bemus Point,” Fritz said. “It’s one of the only places that are free and open to the public every day. Sometimes I think people forget what services the library can provide. We have our e-books, regular books, history books, and can even offer just a place to meet with friends.”

Fritz said the fundraising event offers dinner, literary themed cocktails such as Tequila Mockingbird and allows people to celebrate the beginning of the summer season.

“Just like the library there will be something for everyone at this event,” Fritz said. “I hope it’s a great draw for the community and lets them get together to celebrate the region. I hope we raise money to update our library, replace the computers, external maintenance and update our books consistently.”

Fritz said the event has been an effort of multiple communities, bringing in baskets from businesses from more than just Bemus Point. Jamestown businesses are also included, including tickets to the National Comedy Center. Advanced tickets for the fundraiser are currently available at the library.