Apr 23, 2015 By Suzanne Elliott 2 min read

Peters Township Public Library is holding its annual Taste of the Township fundraiser May 1 at the Valley Brook Country Club in McMurray.

The event, now in its 14th year, is critical for the library’s continuing ability to maintain and broaden its services to the community. And everyone pitches in – from volunteers to small businesses to the Pittsburgh Pirates.

“I can’t get over how generous everyone has been,” said volunteer Louise Foster as she was wrapping one of the 75 or so gift baskets to be auctioned off during the festivities, which begin at 7 p.m.

“The donations for the gift baskets have come from all over,” added Jackie Jones, another volunteer.

Since its inception, Taste of the Township has raised $278,943.58 for the library.

The money raised from the event goes toward myriad projects and items that benefit library users. For example, the $37,568 raised last year went toward the purchase of equipment for the library’s Maker Space on its second floor, including three 3-D printers, a 3-D Pen, a heat-free laminator, as well as a sewing machine, an embroidery machine and a scan-and-cut cutting machine.

Pier Lee, library director, said the money raised this year is expected to go toward several renovation projects, including the renovation and modernization of the existing computer lab and transforming the current Technical Services Department into a new public reading area and café. Other planned projects include the installation of new flooring in the multi-purpose room, lobby and stairwell as well as the installation of a new circulation desk.

Taste of the Township attendees won’t be disappointed by this year’s festivities. Besides the restaurants, which include local favorites like Open German Italian Flair and Juniper Grill, there will be a beer bar, a piano player, and the silent and Chinese auction items will be on display. Some of the items that will be auctioned off include a football signed by Steeler greats, jewelry, wine, golf getaways, fitness club memberships, a cruise for two, chiropractic treatments and gift cards. The silent auction will close at 9:30 p.m., while the Chinese auction closes at 10 p.m. Doors to the upper level balcony will be open if weather permits.

For more information, or to purchase a ticket, call 724-941-9430.