Library Spotlight:
Blossoms at the Beebe
By Laura Zalewski, Assistant Director, Lucius Beebe Memorial Library

What happens when two community-minded organizations form a partnership? In Wakefield, they present "Blossoms at the Beebe" a weekend of fun and fundraising for the entire community.

Sharon Gilley, Director of Beebe Library and an Executive Board member of the Wakefield Chamber of Commerce, wanting to do something special to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the library's renovation, had been mulling over the idea of a "books in bloom" show for several months. When she discovered the Chamber of Commerce was developing a fund raising event for their community based charities, she broached the idea of a partnership. And "Blossoms at the Beebe" was born.

With strength in numbers, it quickly became evident that a number of events could be scheduled at the same time. Ultimately, a Saturday evening of music, wine and beer tasting, and a silent auction was added to the "books in bloom" display. This sold out event was a hit from start to finish.

But the fun wasn't over. The Savings Bank sponsored Sunday hours on April 13. Wakefieldians had the opportunity to take in the flower show, a library scavenger hunt, a paper flower craft, and a display of library construction and renovation artifacts. Sunday's activities were sponsored by the Friends of the Beebe Library, who welcomed visitors with cake and information on their organization.

The weekend was a complete success. Now patrons are asking, "When's the next "Blossoms"?