The Valley Community Library, an important resource in the Midvalley for people of all ages, is preparing to host its annual Books Appétit fundraiser.
The event will be held Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the library at 739 River St. in Peckville.
The library, a division of the Lackawanna County Library System, has been a mainstay in the Blakely, Archbald, Jessup, Dickson City, Throop and Olyphant communities for over four decades.
Funding its many programs and events has not always been easy for all of those years, however. According to the library’s director, Kristen Wallo, about a quarter of its yearly budget is sourced from various types of fundraising.
“We rely on the generosity of the public to keep our programs and building fully funded every year,” Wallo said.
The library conducts many fundraisers for this purpose, including its biannual book sales and trips to Atlantic City, but by far its biggest is Books Appétit.
People attend the 2025 Books Appétit event at the Valley Community Library. (Courtesy of Kristen Wallo)
Held in May, the event for those 21 and over is held both inside and outside the library. People who attend are given a glass of wine at the door, and additional alcohol from local breweries like Breaker Brewing Outpost will be available at the event.
Food will also be supplied by local restaurants, and outdoor entertainment will be provided by The Wanabees, a rock ‘n’ roll cover band from the area. Aside from the cost to enter the event, there are several other ways to support the library while inside.
“We’re holding a basket raffle until the day of the event, and we’ll be drawing the winners the day after,” said Wallo. “We’ve also been taking a number of reservations for a block pool, with different prizes for five winners. That will be announced during the event.”
The block pool’s grand prizes include a four-day and three-night pass to Kalahari Resorts in the Poconos. Some of the baskets being offered include gift cards and outdoor decorations for the summer months ahead.
The biggest supporters of the library, the Friends of the Valley Community Library, run the year’s other fundraising efforts and help however they can with Books Appétit. One of the Friends, secretary Donna Stuchlak, has been busy organizing the block pool and keeping track of what has been donated so far.
“I used to teach, so I’m very aware of how important libraries are. They need to stay well-funded and well-cared for,” Stuchlak said.
Beyond keeping the library open and running, the money raised during this event will be used in various ways. The library’s HVAC system is in need of maintenance, and with summer events such as Independence Day coming up, the resources needed for these activities will be secured with the funding from Books Appétit.
“Libraries are more in danger than they’ve ever been. Any support people can give will be appreciated,” said Wallo.
Tickets for Books Appétit are $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased in person at the library or online at givebutter.com/books-appetit-2026.
The library will be closing at 1 p.m. on May 7 to prepare for the event. Those who can’t make it can stop by the library for raffle tickets during regular hours.
If you go
What: Books Appétit
Where: Valley Community Library, 739 River St., Peckville
When: Thursday, May 7, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Tickets: Cost $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the library or online at givebutter.com/books-appetit-2026.