Holley library raises funds for reading with wine-tasting event

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Those attending the Raise a Glass for Reading fundraiser Friday evening at the Community Free Library in Holley enjoyed sampling local wines and sweet and savory finger foods.

Adam and Aimee Mesiti of Five Sons Winery and RG Brewery in Brockport attended the Raise a Glass event for the first time.

Rows of wine glasses await attendees at the Raise a Glass for Reading fundraising event at the Community Free Library in Holley.

HOLLEY – The Community Free Library in Holley was a popular destination Friday evening as the fifth annual “Raise a Glass for Reading” was held from 7-9 p.m.

The event raises funds to support the library’s Summer Reading Program and features wine and beer tastings from local wineries and breweries, a farmer’s market and products from local entrepreneurs.

“Some people were here ten minutes early,” Library Director Sandra Shaw said. “All are happy.” She said the event gets people together, and for some groups of friends, the annual event has become a “ladies night out.”

The theme for the upcoming Summer Reading Program is, “On your mark, get set….read,” and focuses on the Summer Olympics, fitness and nutrition.

Shaw said the Raise a Glass event has raised $1,500 a year for the program. “That’s great for a small community,” she said.

Wineries, farms and businesses featured change a bit from year to year, she explained, so that a larger number of vendors can take part.

“Orleans County has got wonderful farms,” she observed.

Library Board President Barb Kerns said vendors appreciate taking part as much as patrons enjoy the tasting. “We got notes from the Niagara Wine Trail thanking us for featuring them,” she said of last year’s tasting.

Even New York State has also expressed its gratitude after the library submits its paperwork for holding the farmer’s market. Kerns says they appreciate that the library provides an opportunity to showcase local agricultural products.

This year’s wine vendors included A Gust of Sun Winery and Vineyard in Spencerport and Five Sons Winery and RG Brewery in Brockport, with returning favorites Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina and Schulze Vineyard and Winery in Burt. The Farmers’ Market featured maple products from Nice Family Farms in Albion and jellies, jams, annual bedding plants and vegetable plants, and crafts from Brightly’s Farm Market in Hamlin.

Jenn Fraiser of Brightly’s said the business opened last August. “We’re glad to be here,” she said of the Raise a Glass event.

Also featured Friday evening were entrepreneurs, Mrs. C’s Apothecary with lotions and herbal products, and Sue Johnson’s Susi’s Hot Sauce.

Live music – jazz, classical and Broadway – was provided by Sean and Wendy Williams of Sound Foundations.

A festive banner welcoming attendees to the 5th Annual Raise a Glass event at the Community Free Library in Holley.