"We were inspired as a family to do a fundraiser for the library because we believe that in addition to offering books, the library also offers a space to come together as a community."
Betsy & Steve Custis
Betsy and Steve Custis, Washburn Library patrons, have always loved their library, which has provided their family with an abundance of resources and experiences over the years. The library became a true haven for their family, leading their oldest daughter to volunteer at Washburn Library throughout her high school years. When the Custis family heard about the recent damages to East Lake Library, they decided to host a donation-based weekend book sale. Fellow book lovers from around the neighborhood browsed the selection, excited to discover engaging new titles and give generously to support the library.
“We were inspired as a family to do a fundraiser for the library because we believe that in addition to offering books, the library also offers a space to come together as a community,” Betsy explains. “Each library has a unique purpose and value to its patrons. Our family wanted the community served by the East Lake Library to have that back as soon as possible.”
"Feeding minds is equally important. The library is such a community asset, and I think it’s important to support it."
Anita Ruth
Anita Ruth’s fundraisers in support of various causes give people a place to sing and the opportunity to give back to the community. Once the coronavirus hit and theaters closed, Anita, an accomplished music director, began holding outdoor concerts to raise vital funds and to give artists and performers, including herself and her spouse, an artistic outlet. Hosted in her beautiful yard, the concerts are open to the entire neighborhood, growing in popularity to the point that neighbors have begun stopping Anita on the street, eagerly asking when her next concert will occur. With concerts, musicals, and plays on hold, her community is clamoring to be inspired and entertained by live music and eager to help a good cause.
When Anita saw the damages at East Lake Library, she quickly knew who the recipient of her next concert fundraiser would be. Throughout high school and college, Anita worked for Hennepin County Library. Her connections to the library run deep, and she felt compelled to lend a helping hand. “Donating to the library is equally important right now,” Anita says. “Feeding minds is equally important. The library is such a community asset, and I think it’s important to support it.”
“If you have a gift, you should use it for good.”
Shea Morrey
When 13-year-old Shea Morrey of Rochester, MN, heard about the damage to East Lake Library, she knew immediately that she wanted to do something to help. An already accomplished musician and singer, Shea has always loved music and the way it allows her to express herself. So, when she heard that the library needed help, she knew that her talent and love for music was the best way she could make a difference.
With staying safe during quarantine as a top priority, Shea had the idea to do small outdoor concerts, going yard to yard to play songs on her guitar, sing and collect donations for the library. Since launching her musical efforts, she’s performed fifteen concerts and has no plan to stop now! “If you have a gift,” Shea says, “you should use it for good.” Between concerts, Shea loves reading e-books from her library using the Libby app, taking advantage of her free summer by reading as much as she wants.
Watch Shea perform "Everybody" by Ingrid Michaelson
"You might think that what you do isn’t enough, but anything you do is worth doing..."
"Perhaps It’s You" Podcast - Liz Walker and Samantha Bean
Started by close friends Liz and Samantha, the Perhaps It’s You podcast recaps a new episode of the classic TV series Unsolved Mysteries each week, bringing entertaining commentary and updates on the cases since the show aired. When the friends were ready to record their very first episode three years ago, they knew the perfect place: their neighborhood Brooklyn Park Library! It was a natural choice for them—not only did the library have a perfect, quiet space for them to record, but the two friends had actually met through their library’s book club.
According to Liz, the Perhaps It’s You audience is dedicated not just to the podcast, but to libraries as well! When Liz and Samantha heard about the damage to East Lake Library, they knew they wanted to do what they could to help and knew their audience would feel the same. Recognizing the central role the library plays in the community, they felt strongly that helping rebuild the library would also help support the civil movement happening across the city. Their first fundraising, selling face masks and bandanas for dogs on Instagram, raised nearly $400 in a single weekend. “You might think that what you do isn’t enough, but anything you do is worth doing,” Liz says. “Any little bit helps.”
