Friends and supporters of the Soldiers Grove Public Library will dance to the music of the Roddys and the Bad Axe Blues Band on Saturday, Oct. 22. A community celebration of the library’s expansion project is set for the American Legion Hall in Soldiers Grove, beginning at 7 p.m.

 “This is planned as a fun community get-together,” said library director Cele Wolf.  “So many people have been so supportive of the expansion project that we want to have a celebration of the progress we’ve made so far toward our goal. We’ll enjoy great music and dancing, and hopefully raise some more money.”

There’s a cover charge of $10, and food and drinks will be available for purchase. Door prizes will be awarded.

Other fund-raising efforts have included the Dairy Days book sale, fall weekend brat-and-burger sales at Sunrise Orchard, the Drop-in-the-Bucket campaign, and a donation and pledge drive, during which an outpouring of generosity and goodwill on the part of both residents and non-residents has helped move the project along. In all, the expansion fund, which includes the $60,000 cost of purchasing the former pharmacy building, has grown to $200,000 in just over four months.

Grant proposals, including a major proposal for a Community Development Block Grant, are being developed to generate a major portion of the remaining funds needed.

“Our theme is ‘The Little Library That Could,’ and we’ll soon unveil a graphic display of progress toward the fundraising goal, designed by Joni Peterson,” Wolf said.

Soon to be announced are details for further fund-raising projects, including a gift card sale, a December Holiday Concert to benefit both the Soldiers Grove and Gays Mills Public Library, a Karaoke Night in February, and a fundraising gala in the spring.

“We’re not sitting still,” said library finance director Russell Gilbert. “This is an important project and we are proud of the way the community is getting behind it. We need the expansion and community members know it.”