The Indian River County Main Library took on a new look last Wednesday, where instead of perusing book selections, guests checked out items from the Library Friends Gift Shop at the second annual Library Friends Fashion Show hosted by Friends of the Library.
“The show came about when Friends of the Library board member and Gift Shop co-manager Irene Moretti had a brilliant idea last year to host a fashion show to showcase all the beautiful ladies apparel and accessories the gift shop has to offer,” explained Hollie McDougall, Brackett Library branch manager. “Since the show was such a big success we decided to make it an annual event.”
The fashionable read was a collaborative effort between Friends members, volunteers and library staff to benefit the Indian River County Public Library System, which includes the Main Library in Vero Beach, North County Library in Sebastian, Brackett Library at Indian River State College and the Gifford Library at the Gifford Youth Achievement Center.
Friends of the Library raises and donates approximately $80,000 annually, supplementing county funding for such expenditures as the lease of books and eBooks, purchase of software programs and funding programs for children and adults.
“The Gift Shop is completely run by volunteers,” explained Paula Sadlon, Gift Shop co-manager. “Proceeds from the shop and Used Book Depot help us to provide the library with things the county can’t.”
Children’s Librarian Patti Fuchs served as a festive emcee, introducing the models and giving a detailed description of each of the 24 outfits, all available at the Gift Shop, which ranged from palazzo pants and vests to jewelry, handbags and accessories. The grand finale included pajama-clad volunteers and staff parading in comfy jammies and slippers, holding an array of cuddly stuffed animals.
During wardrobe changes, guests enjoyed a challenging game of holiday-themed trivia, yummy snacks and a baked good sale, purchased raffle tickets and bid on silent auction items.
Two special guests were also honored at the event: Library Services Director Mary Snyder and Supervisor of the Archive Center and Genealogy Department Pamela Cooper, who will both retire this month. These ‘models’ of literary advocacy will be greatly missed, having each served the Library System for more than 30 years.
After the show items flew off the shelf as guests took advantage of a special 25 percent discount and free gift wrapping for all their purchases. Friends membership ($15) is open to everyone and supports the entire library system. Members receive a 10 percent discount at the Gift Shop.
For more information call the Gift Shop at 772-770-9184 or the Used Book Depot at 772-562-0043.
