Libraries are institutions of free expression through learning, where one can literally choose their own adventure and escape into worlds of perspectives, experiences, and knowledge. This deeply personal quest into our own minds and imaginations is often a quiet, contemplative exercise, which libraries are a haven for. But for one spectacular night in February the Nederland Community Library (NCL) transformed into an institution of smooth and sultry vibes.

On Saturday, February 11, 2023, the NCL Foundation held its first Fundraiser Mini-Gala; an “after hours” Valentine’s Day-themed event featuring a cornucopia of sweets, generous pourings of wine, and the sumptuous sounds of a live band. Guests were encouraged to dress in “Ned formal attire”, to drink, dance, and even converse loudly amongst the stacks of books within the dimly lit library-turned-gala ballroom.

As guests arrive and give their name, they receive a name tag with a cute pet name, like “Cutie” or “Muffin”, and are drawn further in by the sounds of chatter and live music. Immediately to the right is a table with complimentary strawberries, heart-shaped marshmallows, and pieces of pound cake with which to submerge into the silky, cascading sweetness of a chocolate fountain.

To the left into NCL’s common room guests are greeted by a smiling sommelier with a name tag that reads “Prince Charming”. There was a wide variety of wines available, many of them on the sweeter side to pair nicely with the various desserts and candies available on tables placed all about the library. Guests were treated to decadent white and milk chocolate covered Oreo truffles, chocolate covered strawberries, and moist cupcakes topped with rose flavored icing; there were also gluten-free options available.

Mystic Pulse effortlessly filled the library with the right mood and atmosphere for the evening, providing the sounds of their “world fusion” jazz quartet. Lisamarie Windwalker provided her soulful voice and her skills as a flutist, Jason Ruby played guitar, Ken McCorkell keyboards, and Tony Rodriquez played the drums. The quartet put their own creative spin on classics ranging from the Eurythmics to Van Morrison.

Mystic Pulse was formed in 2011 in Chicago; in 2020 Windwalker moved to Nederland, Colorado, to be with the love of her life Ruby. As Mystic Pulse’s guitarist Ruby loves to explore several forms of musical expression to remain versatile in multiple styles. Windwalker utilizes her voice alongside Native American instruments and musical technique to enable music’s healing properties for herself and those experiencing Mystic Pulse.

As guests mingled amongst the stacks, they could take a moment to view the Silent Auction table. Guests could write in their bids for specialty packages of classic and contemporary books, such as collections of books by Isaac Asimov, Agatha Christie, and William Faulkner, with the suggested bidding starting as low as five dollars.

A live auction of some of the rarest books donated to the NCL also took place. NCL volunteers handed out numbered ballots to the guests and auctioneers Austin and Kendra provided exciting descriptions of each volume, as well as tantalizing teases for wrapped books, referred to as “blind dates with a book”. Guests excitedly bid on such rare books as an edition of “Robinson Crusoe” by Daniel Defoe from the year 1900, and an edition of “Middlemarch” by George Eliot from 1891.

Scott Papich from the NCL Board of Trustees spoke to the crowd about what the Mini-Gala was fundraising for; turning a small parcel of unused land on the library’s property into a pocket park. Papich spoke about how the lawn just East of the main building will become a small, intimate park with ADA-compliant access and a raised stone terrace. The park is planned to be used for various outdoor NCL events and will take six to twelve months to create.

NCLDirector Elektra Greer gave thanks to the many NCL Foundation members, NCL Board of Trustees members, and NCL Volunteers who helped make the fundraising Mini-Gala happen. Greer introduced NCL Foundation President Susan Kelly who gave special thanks and shoutouts to Audrey Godell and Kathy Guyton at the NCL Foundation booth, to Elizabeth Smith and Linda Bukatko for organizing all the snacks for the evening, and also to Veronica Byers, Amy LaRue, and Patty Stanfield.

The Nederland Community Library is located at 200 Highway 72, Nederland. To find out more about their programs, check out the website at https:// nederland.colibraries.org/.