Columbia Public Library Art Auction Raises $17K
(Columbia, PA — June 1, 2022)
Collectors from the Susquehanna Valley and beyond crowded the Columbia Public Library on a lovely Sunday afternoon in mid-May to bid on more than 40 lots during the library’s second annual fundraising auction and sale. The event, which included dozens of “buy it now” items, along with a silent auction for cakes made by local bakers, raised more than $17,000 and netted $15,000 that will be used to conserve and restore paintings in CPL’s permanent collection—and then some.
“Between the sale and auction items, and the generous support of multiple sponsors, we exceeded last year’s revenue total by more than 50%,” says Steve Sherk, Columbia Public Library board president. “The additional funds will give us a head start on future projects, including a space where researchers can have better access to our rare and historic books.”
Last year’s auction enabled the library to upgrade its climate control for its rare book room, Sherk adds.
“Buyers snapped up most of the artwork and books in the buy-it-now areas of the library shortly after the doors opened at 1:30,” Karen Spina, art auction committee member reports. “The auction, which started at 3:00, was held in Locust Street Park as planned, thanks to the cooperative weather. There was spirited bidding for the paintings, prints, photos, and other works of art—and a couple of very happy people went home with big bargains. Winning bids on the auction lots ranged from $25 to $1,500. Several books and paintings by Columbia and Lancaster artists and authors were featured in the auction and the buy it now sale.”
The seven cakes in the silent auction brought in nearly $1,000. “Our bakers absolutely outdid themselves this year,” says Spina. “It’s safe to say we will be expanding this part of the auction in 2023.”
Event sponsors included Patron Sponsors – Columbia Animal Hospital, Columbia Fraternal Association, Donegal Insurance Group, Kleen-Rite Corporation, uFinancial Group; Bibliophile Sponsors – Columbia-Middletown Elks #1074, Foresters of America, Mountz & Kreiser Law Office, St. John’s Herr Estate; and Friend Sponsors – American Legion Post #372, Clyde W. Kraft Funeral Home, Columbia Kettle Works, Gamby’s Disposal, Garth Gallery, Gorman Distributors, Marty & Jane Moore, Merchandiser/Townlively.com, Special Occasions, Truist Bank, VFW Auxiliary Post #2435. Special thanks to Columbia School of Music for providing music for the event.
Some scenes of our 2022 Art Auction this past May!
