The Bluffton Public Library is seeking donations for its Holiday Gift Silent Auction. Bidding on auction items will begin the evening of Monday, November 3 and will continue through Saturday, November 22.  All packages will include a minimum bid and feature a special “buy now” price.

Suggestions for donations include themed gift baskets or individual items such as: gift cards, children’s items, (new books, toys, games or craft items), admission tickets (valid in 2015), merchandise for all ages, free services, lessons, and lodging. Cash donations are also welcome. 

Donations will be accepted until Saturday, October 11, 2014.  Items may be delivered or mailed to the Bluffton Public Library, Attn: Silent Auction, 145 S. Main St., Bluffton, OH 45817.  Arrangements may also be made for library committee members to pick up local donations. Donors are asked to include the fair market value with their donation(s).

Proceeds of the auction will provide support for essential services, including preschool storytime, Brain Builders, Junior Brain Builders, afterschool programs, adult programs, and special events. According to Jessica Hermiller, library director, the library has been operating with state funding cuts that exceed 20 percent since 2009, a ten-year levy that does not renew until 2016, and state law that substantially limits the ability to generate usable revenue from permanent endowment gifts.

Donations are tax deductible, as defined by state law.  The library’s Ohio Tax ID is 34-6400137.

Committee members include: Jessica Hermiller, Tanya Augsburger, and Lauren Canaday.