On Dec. 5, the Friends of the Poplarville Public Library will host their first Soup and Art Fundraiser to raise money to renovate and modernize equipment at the library.
Friends of the Poplarville Public Library president April Fowler said group members were excited when Poplarville Alderwoman Shirley Wiltshire proposed the idea.
The group was established in 2004 to promote and provide additional financial support for the resources, services and needs of the Poplarville Library, Fowler said.
“Our 80 members serve as advocates for the value of the library,” she said. “We believe in the preservation of and promoting access to reading for all generations.”
Two other major fundraisers the Friends sponsor are an annual book sale and auction, Fowler said.
December’s event will feature artwork from local artists as well as delicious, homemade soups, she said.
Fowler said the group is contacting a variety of artists including painters, jewelers and potters. Instead of paying for booth space, the Friends ask that the artists donate 10 percent of their sales to the library.
“It’s being held just in time for people to shop for Christmas and support our local artists,” Fowler said.
Along with shopping, attendees can also purchase homemade soups cooked by members, she said. There will be many varieties to choose from including, chili, classic soups and Fowler’s own chicken, cheese and spinach tortellini. All proceeds from soup sales will be donated to the library.
Poplarville Public Library’s librarian Eden Nitcher said the Friends of the Poplarville Public Library is the largest fundraising element the library has.
“One of the things the library doesn’t have is a book budget,” Nitcher said. “All the Friends’ events and fundraisers help us acquire new books, DVDs, audio books and anything else patrons request. Without them, we couldn’t host as many public events as we do. This event is exciting because it’s the first time Friends has done anything like this.”
The deadline for artists to register is Dec. 1 and registration forms can be found at the Poplarville Public Library, located at 202 West Beers St., and the Margaret Reed Crosby Memorial Library, located at 900 Goodyear Boulevard in Picayune.
The Soup and Art Fundraiser will be held on Dec. 5 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Poplarville Public Library.
“It’s important to support our local libraries,” Fowler said. “Even though so many things have gone digital, there are still great resources available at the library.”
The Friends of the Poplarville Public Library meet quarterly and dues cost as little as $5 per year, Fowler said. Membership applications are available at the library or interested parties can contact Fowler through the group’s Facebook page.