Thank You, Sponsors: 2021 Sponsors Supported Renovations, Library Programs

The pandemic may have shelved our in-person ball in 2021, but it didn't stop the amazing generosity of this community! We want to say thank you to all who sponsored, donated, and shopped through our online fundraising efforts in 2021.

Fundraising helped pay for maintenance and capital projects at the historic building, as well as expand the library’s community program options, including:
-Remodeling a former jail (!) in the library basement into a space for teen programs, gaming, and community meetings
-Replaced deteriorated wood floors
-Repainted first floor
-Restored historic front doors

The upgrades will continue in 2022:
-Waterproofing the stone foundation
-Repairing tile roof
-To improve patron access, the library is exploring the use of outside lockers for patron pickup of reserved materials

2021 Sponsors, $3,000 Level

EMT Metals

2021 Sponsors, $2,000 Level

Cayuga Lake National Bank

Triad Foundation

2021 Sponsors, $1,000 Level:

John and Marie Dentes

True Insurance

2021 Sponsors, $750 Level:

George and Gloria Peter Family

2021 Sponsors, $500 Level:

Ed and Christine Brennan

In Memory of Robert Cerza, by Donna Cerza

Generations Bank

Marcy Grundner

Melissa and Michelle Miller

Roto Salt

David and Maureen Zeibarth

2021 Sponsors, $250 Level:

Aurora Dental Lab

Mark Bachman, CPA

Gail A Donovan

Tompkins Community Bank

Thank you, Angels: Angel Donors in 2021

The pandemic may have shelved our in-person ball in 2021, but it didn't stop the amazing generosity of this community! We want to say thank you to all who sponsored, donated, and shopped through our online fundraising efforts in 2021.

Fundraising helped pay for maintenance and capital projects at the historic building, as well as expand the library’s community program options, including:

-Remodeling a former jail (!) in the library basement into a space for teen programs, gaming, and community meetings

-Replaced deteriorated wood floors

-Repainted first floor

-Restored historic front doors

The upgrades will continue in 2022:

-Waterproofing the stone foundation

-Repairing tile roof

-To improve patron access, the library is exploring the use of outside lockers for patron pickup of reserved materials

Angel Donors, $200:

Sue Haag and Tim Holbrook

Angel Donors, $150:

Willis and Sandra Wendler

Angel Donors, $100:

Laura Barnhill

Linda and David Brisson

Barbara and David Chubb

Cheryl Cieri

Gayle and Dale Flinn

Ed and Judy Hartz

Richard Holl

Julianna Karr

John and Frances Kissel

CJ Koepp

Carin Kopp

Michael Kotilikoff and Carolyn McDaniel

Lori and John Kupiec

Joe Long

In Honor of Elaine Meyers, by Judith Pratt

Milene Morfei

Pat and Anne Reilly

Sandra Ripoc

Doug Wood, LLC

Kathy Wray

Angel Donors, $50:

Janet Heslop

Zelda Wood

Thank You to 2021 Silent Auction Donors

Have you checked out (see what we did there?) the improvements at the Aurora Free Library? The pandemic may have shelved our in-person ball in 2021, but it didn't stop the amazing generosity of this community!

We want to say thank you to all who sponsored, donated, and shopped through our online fundraising efforts in 2021. More than 60 businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals donated items and services to our online, buy-it-now auction.

Fundraising helped pay for maintenance and capital projects at the historic building, as well as expand the library’s community program options, including:
-Remodeling a former jail (!) in the library basement into a space for teen programs, gaming, and community meetings
-Replaced deteriorated wood floors
-Repainted first floor
-Restored historic front doors

The upgrades will continue in 2022:
-Waterproofing the stone foundation
-Repairing tile roof
-To improve patron access, the library is exploring the use of outside lockers for patron pickup of reserved materials

Auction Donors

Alex Torea

Auburn Leathercrafters

Aurora Brewing Co

Aurora Shoe Co

Bill Roberts

Bianconi Boat Tours

Brian & Kelly Brown

Cafe 19

Cathy & Mike Sheils

Cayuga Pumpkin Barn & Staehr Family Farm

Charlie Myers

Claire R. Morehouse

Cream at the Top

CV Design

Dickman Farms Greenhouse

Donna Cerza

Doug’s Fish Fry

Dugan’s Country Grill

Ellen Wickstrom/The Perfect Lampshade

Enhanced Health

F. Olivers

Finger Lakes Adventure Gear

Fran Rosenkrans

Gillespie Chevrolet

Ginger Johnson

Golf Guru MaryLou Colemen

Heart & Hands Winery

Inns of Aurora

Ithaca Sciencenter

Jane Morgan’s Little House

Jason Pizzeria

Jeff Blum

Joe & Kathy DeForrest

John & Marie Dentes

John Simolo/Old Crow Pottery

John Wedler

Judith Jordan

Julie Schneider Orman

Kara Bugis

Kathy Jordan

Kay Burkett

King Ferry Corner Store

Lisa’s Dream Salon

Long Point Winery

MacKenzie-Childs

MOST

Pam Baxter

Patricia Martin Holdridge

REV Theater Co

Robin Driskell

Rosamond Gifford Zoo

Seward House

Sloane Bailey

Smiley’s Florist

Target #1508

Trader Rose

Trelevan King Ferry Winery

Union Springs Supermarket

Vintage Lighting

Wells College Center for Sustainability

Wells College Golf Course

Robert Warren

Quilt raffled, fundraising efforts benefit Aurora Free library

Quilt raffled, fundraising efforts benefit Aurora Free library

Congratulations to Katrina Overton, the lucky winner of the Quilt Raffle, held during the Christmas in Aurora event on Dec. 4, 2021.

Thank you to many for the donations, sponsorships and support of our fundraising efforts in 2021. We raised some funds for the Aurora Free Library (amount to be announced soon). Our community came through, despite the challenges of not being able to hold an in-person dinner-dance.

We are hopeful for a healthy 2022 that allows us to return to in-person events.

Donations and sponsorships of the library can be made year round through this website. All funds raised benefit the library, including building upkeep and community programming.

Thank you for your support!

Quilt raffle benefits library; tickets available through December 2021

Quilt raffle benefits library; tickets available through December 2021

A quilt raffle to benefit the Aurora Free Library runs through December 2021. For $10 a ticket, enter for a chance to win a beautiful, handmade “sampler pattern” quilt by local artist Pam Baxter. Tickets can be purchases at the library’s temporary location at the United Ministry of Aurora Church, 337 Main St., Aurora, NY; library hours are 4-6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and 10 a.m.-noon Saturday.

Donations and sponsorships of the library can be made year round through this website. All funds raised benefit the library, including building upkeep and community programming.

Thank you for your support!

Online sales continues through Oct. 15, 2021

Our online auction to benefit the Aurora Free Library runs through Oct. 15, 2021. Shop for unique, handmade items from local artisans, gift certificates for dining and boating, overnight stays, and much more! Donations and sponsorships can be made through this website, too. All funds raised benefit the library, including building upkeep and community programming.

Thank you for your support!

Donations items needed for online auction to benefit library

Do you have an item, service, or gift certificate to donate to the silent auction at 17th Annual Book Lovers Ball? Out of caution over rising Covid cases, the ball is suspended this year and the auction will take place online. The auction goes live Sept. 17, 2021.

All funds raised go to the Aurora Free Library for community programming and building upkeep.

A Book Lovers Ball committee member is happy to pick up your donations for the auction. We can create gift certificates, too. Have questions? Send an email to aurorabookloversball@gmail.com, or call (518) 339-0541.

Thank you for your support!

Aurora Book Lovers Ball moving online in 2021

It’s with sadness that we announce that the Book Lovers Ball will not be in person this year.

Out of caution and concern for the safety of our supporters, we will move the silent auction online. We will have more details soon about opportunities to support the Aurora Free Library.

Thank you for your understanding.

Save the Date! Book Lovers Ball returns in person Sept. 17, 2021

Dust off your dancing shoes!

The Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee is thrilled to announce that our 17th annual ball returns in person on the evening of Sept. 17, 2021 at the Aurora Inn in Aurora, NY. Mark your calendars!

Join us dinner, dancing, and silent auction to benefit the Aurora Free Library.

Central New York favorites The Destination returns with their foot-tapping favorites, performed under the newly renovated Inns of Aurora event space on the shores of Cayuga Lake. The silent auction boasts popular and unique items for every budget, including handmade artisan goods, MacKenzie-Childs, events, meals, and more.

Advance sale tickets will be available on Aug. 15.

Thank you for financial support of the Aurora Free Library

Thank you to our generous community for the donations and purchases made through our virtual fundraiser in autumn 2020. All proceeds benefited the Aurora Free Library in Aurora, NY.

An exciting announcement about the 17th annual Book Lovers Ball will come in summer 2021!

Friends of the Library can support the Aurora Free Library by becoming a sponsor of the Book Lovers Ball. Pay online using the buttons for your sponsorships level - look for the “Become a Sponsor” page on this website. Donations by check may be mailed to Book Lovers Ball, c/o Aurora Free Library, PO Box 85, Aurora, NY 13026

*Please make checks payable to “Aurora Free Library.”

Thank you!

Thank you Angel Donors for your support in 2020

Thank you to all who supported the Book Lovers Ball in 2020! All income raised by the Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee goes to support the Aurora Free Library in Aurora, NY.

Generous donations helped support day-to-day operations at the library, as well as rehabilitation and maintenance at the building that is both an historic structure and a busy hub of community activity. In 2020, work began in the library’s basement - once a village jail (!) - to create a community meeting room, and a teen space that will be equipped with gamer-quality computers and equipment.

Donation: $200 Level

Sue Haag and Tim Holbrook

Angel Donation: $100 Level

Bettina Arleo

Linda Brisson

Ray Brisson

Barbara Chubb

Charles and Barbara Gately        

Donna Goddard

Tina Hallock

Valerie Hart

Judy Hartz

Cynthia J. Koepp

Michael Kotlikoff and Carolyn McDaniel  

Kimberly Landsdowne

Littlejohn and Barbi Orthodontics

Charles and Melissa Manice

In Honor of Elaine Meyers, by Judith Pratt

William and Marianne Miner

Kevan Moran    

Milene Morfei

Katie and Dan Osborn

David Pierce 

In memory of Janet Pierce, by David Pierce

Pat and Anne Reilly

Sandra Ripic

Barbara Sholl

Doug Wood, LLC

Kathy Wray

Donation: $25 Level

Zelda Wood

Thank You Bronze Level Supporters

Thank you to our Bronze Level sponsors in 2020! Our Bronze Level Supporters each donated $250. They are:

Aurora Dental

Mark Bachmann CPA

Tompkins Trust Company

These generous sponsorships helped support the Aurora Free Library, from its day-to-day operations, to building maintenance and improvements. In 2020, the library began rehabbing space in the basement - once a jailhouse for the Village of Aurora! - into a community meeting room and a teen space that will include gamer-quality computers and equipment.

The Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee turned 16 years old in 2020. Due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our in-person ball, dinner-dance and silent auction in 2020. The Book Lovers Ball group remained committed to fundraising for the Aurora Free Library, moving our silent auction online and continuing to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. Thank you to our amazing, supportive community!

Thank you Silver Level Supporters

Thank you to our Silver Level sponsors in 2020! Our Silver Level Supporters each donated $500. They are:

Ed & Christine Brennan

In Memory of Robert Cerza, by Donna Cerza

Generations Bank

Michael & TC Peter

Roto Salt

David & Maureen Ziebarth

These generous sponsorships helped support the Aurora Free Library, from day-to-day operations, to building maintenance and improvements. In 2020, the library began rehabbing space in the basement - once a jailhouse for the Village of Aurora! - into a community meeting room and a teen space that will include gamer-quality computers and equipment.

The Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee turned 16 years old in 2020. Due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our in-person ball, dinner-dance and silent auction in 2020. The Book Lovers Ball group remained committed to fundraising for the Aurora Free Library, moving our silent auction online and continuing to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. Thank you to our amazing, supportive community!

Thank you Gold Level Supporter - Dentes Family

Thank you to our Gold Level sponsor in 2020! Our Gold Level Supporter, John and Marie Dentes, donated $1,000.

This generous sponsorship and other donations helped support the Aurora Free Library, from day-to-day operations, to building maintenance and improvements. In 2020, the library began rehabbing space in the basement - once a jailhouse for the Village of Aurora! - into a community meeting room and a teen space that will include gamer-quality computers and equipment.

The Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee turned 16 years old in 2020. Due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our in-person ball, dinner-dance and silent auction in 2020. The Book Lovers Ball group remained committed to fundraising for the Aurora Free Library, moving our silent auction online and continuing to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. Thank you to our amazing, supportive community!

Thank you Platinum Supporter EMT Metal Component Manufacturing

Thank you to our Platinum Level sponsor in 2020! Our Platinum Level Supporter, EMT Metal Component Manufacturer, donated $1,500.

This and other generous sponsorships help support the Aurora Free Library in day-to-day operations, as well as building maintenance and improvements. In 2020, the library began rehabbing space in the basement - once a jailhouse for the Village of Aurora! - into a community meeting room and a teen space that will include gamer-quality computers and equipment.

The Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee turned 16 years old in 2020. Due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our in-person ball, dinner-dance and silent auction in 2020. The Book Lovers Ball group remained committed to fundraising for the Aurora Free Library, moving our silent auction online and continuing to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. Thank you to our amazing, supportive community!

Thank you to our Diamond Supporters - Cayuga Lake National Bank, Triad Foundation

Thank you to our Platinum Level supporters in 2020! Our Diamond Level Supporters, Cayuga Lake National Bank and the Triad Foundation, each donated $2,000.

These generous sponsorships help support the Aurora Free Library, from day-to-day operations, to building maintenance and improvements. In 2020, the library began rehabbing space in the basement - once a jailhouse for the Village of Aurora! - into a community meeting room and a teen space that will include gamer-quality computers and equipment.

The Book Lovers Ball fundraising committee turned 16 years old in 2020. Due to precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we suspended our in-person ball, dinner-dance and silent auction in 2020. The Book Lovers Ball group remained committed to fundraising for the Aurora Free Library, moving our silent auction online and continuing to raise funds through sponsorships and donations. Thank you to our amazing, supportive community!

Our Angel Donor Raffle Prize Winner is ...

As a thank you to all our Angel Donors - those who donated $100 to the Aurora Free Library this year - we recently held a prize raffle, and selected a winner! Congrats to Barbara Chubb!

Stayed tuned to this page as we'll be recognizing all our wonderful donors and sponsors in the coming days.

When Covid restrictions shut down our annual fundraiser for the library - a dinner dance and silent auction - we weren't sure how we'd raise funds for the library. But, the community came through - with donations and support of our online auction. Thank you, Aurora community!

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