In case you haven’t heard, Evanston’s libraries are in a tight spot. Due to lack of funding, the Evanston Public Library is set to close its North and South branch locations at the end of the summer. But we’re not going without a fight! The Evanston Public Library Friends have been valiantly hitting the streets, raising money, spreading the word, and talking to people about saving our local libraries. Starting May 15th, you too can get in on the very worthwhile action of saving your libraries and bolstering your community strength and spirit, all without leaving the comfort of your home.
The Evanston Public Library Friends are holding their biggest fundraiser yet: an online auction being held from May 15th through May 30th. To be auctioned off are rare books, autographed items, sports packages, sunset cruises, spa parties, original art, box office tickets, catered dinners and more. Whether you want to take a trip to the beautiful wilds of Idaho, get up close to the action with Cubs and (front-row!!) Blackhawks tickets, eat out at some of Evanston’s finest restaurants, catch a breeze sailing on Lake Michigan, or spend an evening dining and chatting with best-selling author Audrey Niffenegger, there is bound to be something up for auction to pique your interest. For more information, and to place your bids you can visit the EPL Friends auction website. You can also find information on the site if you’re interested in donating an item for auction. 
And remember that all proceeds from this auction go to the very worthwhile cause of keeping the doors of Evanston’s public libraries open to the public and our services available to the community. In addition to a world of books, music, and movies, EPL provides a common place for our community to meet, great free (entertaining and educational) programming for children and adults, free computer and internet access, and so much more. Local libraries are the strong and fundamental foundations of our community, from which we go forth with knowledge and understanding to do good things in the wider world. Perhaps author and Evanston resident Joseph Epstein says it best:
“”The Evanston branch libraries have been important to the lives of neighborhood children and retired people and people who work at home. Evanston is known as a civilized community with a high degree of cultural opportunities – perhaps the most civilized in the Chicago metropolitan area – and such a community does not, ever, close down libraries.”
Heed the call of your community from the comfort of home and have fun doing it: the Evanston Public Library Friends Armchair Auction starts May 15th!
