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The first tea held by Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library was on May 1, 2004, at Liberty Lake Elementary School.

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On the March Library page: Friends carry on tea tradition; Library Briefs
2/25/2015 12:45:28 PM

Friends carry on tea tradition

By Lauren Campbell
Splash Contributor

Each year, the Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library hosts a high tea to raise funds for the library. Since it's a municipal library, the group provides a large portion of the funding for the library's many programs, including crafting groups, kids programs and holiday events.

This year's tea will be held April 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Meadowwood Technology Campus. Tickets are $20 per seat. Ross Schneidmiller, president of the Liberty Lake Historical Society, will be the guest speaker. A silent auction will also be held, with items donated from the community. The Friends are hoping to raise $5,000 to support library programs.

The tea began a decade ago when Pat Lutzenberger attended a high tea at a local church. She thought it was a fun, unique way to spend an afternoon, so she borrowed the idea to use for the library. That first tea was held on May 1, 2004, and was attended by about 80 people. The Liberty Lake Kiwanis Club donated food and advertising money, and the Friends raised money through ticket sales and a silent auction.

"I just think it's wonderful to see how the community has come together and kept this event going," Lutzenberger said.

This year's tea has a theme of history, and the Friends are excited to share the history of Liberty Lake. Cindy Troxel, vice president of Friends, is also the chairperson of the annual tea. Troxel described this year's themed decorations and food as things that would belong in the "olden days," all homemade, all natural, with many finger foods.

Troxel believes the library is one of the greatest resources in the city of Liberty Lake.

"It's progressed into a resource center - this place where you can go if you have a desire to learn anything," she said.

Troxel is particularly excited about the children's summer reading program that hundreds of kids participate in each year, which encourages kids to read books and have the chance to win prizes.

"Friends developed as a liaision between the library and the public to fund extracurricular programs," she said. "The summer program particularly is a great opportunity for kids to keep up their skills and have something fun to do."

The Friends group has grown exponentially in the last few years, Troxel said. When she moved to Liberty Lake from Geneva, Switzerland, three years ago after her husband passed away, there were only about five people involved. Now there are close to 25. 

"The first thing I did when I moved here was join the Friends, and it's been the best thing I ever did," Troxel said.

New members are always welcome, she said, and information is available in the Friends corner of the library. The annual tea has grown quickly along with the group, she added.

"Each year, it gets a little bigger," Troxel said. "We're thinking this might be the year we sell out - the excitement has been enormous."

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IF YOU GO ...
Friends Spring Tea
April 25, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.   
Meadowwood Technology Campus, 2100 N. Molter 
 
"Celebrating our Heritage" is the theme for this fundraiser hosted by Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library. The annual event includes a silent auction, finger foods, desserts and tea. Tickets are $20 per person and can be purchased at Liberty Lake Municipal Library.

• • •

LIBRARY BRIEFS
March is the time to read
Liberty Lake Library is encouraging kids in their love for reading during the month of March. In conjunction with the annual Read Across America program, the library is sponsoring a month-long event for ages 4 through third grade with a Dr. Seuss-styled reading program and prizes.

There will also be a birthday party for Dr. Seuss on March 2 at 4 p.m. with book readings, games, crafts and treats. Attendees are encouraged to come dressed as a children's book character for a costume contest.

Library celebrates wine
It's Vino appreciation month with a selection of adult wine-themed activities happening at the library. 

On March 2 at 1 p.m., the library will offer a showing of the documentary, "Somm," which follows a few hopefuls as they try to become the ultimate experts of wine. Get a taste of what's new on library shelves during a Book Tasting on March 13 at 1 p.m. Discover what to do with wine corks during Crafts with Corks that will be held 6 p.m. March 26. To register or for more information, call 232-2510.

Adjusted hours for March
The library will be closed March 12 for annual inventory. In addition, the library will open late at 1 p.m. on March 26. 

STCU holds workshop
STCU is offering a free financial workshop at noon March 18 at the library. The workshop is titled, "Prevent Fraud and Identity Theft." A light meal will be provided. To register or for more information, visit www.stcu.org.

Friends to sell Easter buckets
The Friends of Liberty Lake Municipal Library will be selling Easter buckets in late March and early April as a fundraiser. For more information, contact Lorraine Halverson at 255-9215.

Volunteers needed
The library is in need of volunteers who are available on Mondays to help library staff with shelving. For more information, call 232-2510.

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