Come out to Support Small Libraries!
May 5th, 2008HAVE FUN AT THE WESTHAMPTON LIBRARY
WESTHAMPTON, MA. On May 17, 2008, the Friends of the Westhampton Memorial Library will host Flock to the Library, “America’s largest gathering of imaginatively decorated plastic pink flamingos.” The event, says organizer Laurie Sanders, is partly a fundraiser for Westhampton’s library campaign, but it’s also a way to “whimsically demonstrate that libraries play important roles in our communities – beyond lending books. They’re also places where art, culture and community-building come together,” she says.
Given the prospect of 600 fancifully-transformed pink flamingos in one place, including many submitted by professional artists, organizers expect the event to receive extensive media attention. What’s more, the day will also feature related activities: flamingo croquet, flamingo “egg” tosses, and a variety of pink foods. Just across the street from the flock of flamingos will be the Friends of the Westhampton Memorial Library’s annual “Books, Blossoms, and Backrubs” event, a well-known and well-attended plant and book sale, where professional chair massage is available for weary gardeners.
Flock to the Library co-chair Renée Schultz says the organization is hoping to distribute upwards of 500 flamingos before the event. “We want people to have enough time to be creative and inventive,” she said. She has already heard lots of ideas, including one person’s plan to attach model rockets to his flamingo and fire it into air. “When it comes to transforming America’s favorite lawn ornament, I guess the sky’s the limit,” said Schultz with a smile.
To pick up your flamingo before the event, contact the Westhampton Memorial Library at 527-5386, e-mail event co-organizer Renée Schultz at Reneeschultz@comcast.net, or visit www.librarywesthampton.org for more details. The cost for a flamingo for an individual is $20; for local businesses $100 (additional business donations welcomed); artists and libraries receive their flamingos for free.
Contacts:
Laurie Sanders 413-527-5903
Renée Schultz 413-527-1131
Thecia Hancewicz 413-527-6498