MILLBROOK — Long a holiday tradition in Millbrook, the Friends of the Library opened their 16th Holiday Silent Auction with a festive wine and hors d’oeuvres reception on Friday, Dec. 6. Bidding will remain open until Saturday, Dec. 21, when the auction will end with another reception and opportunity for last-minute bids.
Auction chairman Sam Falk indicated that all proceeds will support the library’s special projects that are not included in the normal operating budget.
Although 2024 marks 16 years of the Holiday Auction, the years have not been consecutive, Falk said, because of the hiatus necessitated by the pandemic.
The event coincided with the festive Parade of Lights in Millbrook, making the evening a true community event.
A core of about ten committee members lent their talents to the auction this year, Falk said, indicating how essential their efforts were. “Without them …” Falk said with a shrug, not needing to finish her sentence.
“Everyone plays a part,” Falk said, including the work of soliciting donations from businesses and others, as well as the detail work of organizing the auction display and the reception itself.
The list of more than 130 items being auctioned includes a one-night stay at Troutbeck, personal training sessions and exercise classes at Kyle’s Functional Fitness, 150 gallons of heating oil from Taylor Oil, a weekend stay at a kennel (for a pet), dinner for two at Panacea in Amenia, fencing lessons with Robert Nilsen, numerous gift certificates from generous merchants, and much more.
A small table of “Buy It Now” items is adding to the fun, Falk noted.
A Closing Bidding Party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 21, from 3:30 to 5 p.m., allowing bidders to submit final bids on their favorite items. As with the opening reception, the closing party will be open to residents free of charge.
In past years, the Friends organization has supported the library’s pollinator garden on Franklin Street, added chairs to the Flagler Room, and refurbished library entrances and the gallery space. Among many contributions to the Millbrook community, the Friends also provide for the program that offers free museum passes for all residents.
For more information and a complete listing of auction items, visit www.millbrooklibrary.org.
Meg Sher, executive director of the David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village.L. Tomaino 
