SOUTH DEERFIELD — As Tilton Library’s expansion project continues through the design phase, it is preparing to close out a year of fundraising with a Halloween event and follow up with an online campaign in the new year.
The library has raised more than $827,000 toward its fundraising campaign goal of $2 million, which will offset a portion of the total $12.3 million project cost. This will expand the building from 4,366 to 12,784 square feet and include energy-efficiency upgrades, renovations of existing rooms and improved accessibility.
Library Director Candace Bradbury-Carlin said the library’s fundraising strategy will transition from event-based to a digital campaign in late winter and early spring. In addition, the library has reached out to 160 Deerfield businesses about donations or sponsorship opportunities.
“With the events, it’s about making connections and building awareness, and that’s definitely done that,” Bradbury-Carlin said, adding that Greenfield Savings Bank has committed a multi-year pledge of $30,000 to the project, as well as sponsorship of the library’s coming fundraiser.
Bradbury-Carlin said efforts will “lay low” in the last months of 2023 as library turns to annual fundraising toward its operating budget.
She added the library will likely miss its fundraising goal of $1 million by the end of the year, but she expects to hit the mark soon after the calendar flips with individual and business donations. Bradbury-Carlin also plans to explore grant opportunities.
Tilton Library’s next fundraising event is a Halloween costume ball at Quonquont Farm in Whately on Oct. 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. Folks are invited to dress up as their favorite book or film character and eat, drink, dance and support the library.
Tickets, which cost $108, come with a free drink ticket. More information and a link to purchase a ticket can be found at bit.ly/3tmW4Rs.