Nearly 60 Marion area residents recently gathered for the Elizabeth Taber Library’s second annual ‘Tables of Content’ fundraiser. An elegant dinner and lively book discussion were featured at each of the seven dinner tables. The event was held on two separate evenings in November, hosted in private homes by library board members and supporters.
Participants chose the book they wanted to read on a convenient date. Not knowing the identity of their hosts or other guests added to the anticipatory intrigue. The evenings’ excitement began with arrival at a dinner destination and discovering who else was coming to dinner.
In late September, the library posted the list of books: The Elephant Whisperer, The Library Book, Behold the Dreamers, Quichotte, Beloved, Cooking for Picasso and The Nickel Boys. Selected by the dinner hosts, they covered a range of interests from recent bestsellers and historical fiction to serious current topics. Lively discussions of the book selection were a major contributor to each dinner’s success.
Comments on the event ranged from “This was the best fundraiser I’ve ever attended,” to “It was stellar in all respects – congenial company, delicious food, enjoyable conversation, and a stimulating discussion.” Several of last year’s guests stepped up and volunteered to host dinners this year.
Our appreciation to the dinner hosts and book facilitators cannot be underestimated: Margie Baldwin and Merry Conway; Alan and Jessica Harris; Robin Worcester and Trudy Kingery; Nan Johnson and Margaret Nash; Susan Mead and Kathy Reed; Linda Scheussler and Susannah Davis; Sally Fallon, Sheila Converse, and Deb Ewing.
All funds raised will go to the library’s programming and technology efforts. The Board continues to supplement the Town’s library budget, which covers only “brick and mortar” expenses: building maintenance and operation, salaries and basic supplies. The additional 30 percent of the library’s annual budget is funded by individual and corporate supporters, the annual summer book sale, and other fundraising events such as ‘Tables of Content’.
The Library Board intends to make this fundraiser an annual event. If you would like to host a dinner, or work on the ‘Tables of Content’ committee to promote the next event, please contact Liz Sherry at the library or Marthe Soden at 508-748-1277.