Ellicottville Memorial Library Launches Summer Reading Program, Give 716 Campaign & Pro Am Fundraiser

Local

Jul 8

Ellicottville Memorial Library Launches Summer Reading Program, Give 716 Campaign & Pro Am Fundraiser

From summer reading adventures and therapy dog visits to Give 716 fundraising, the annual Pro Am raffle, and the FeedMore WNY Farm Market, the Ellicottville Memorial Library is offering plenty of ways for the community to learn, give, and get involved this summer.

The Ellicottville Memorial Library is inviting readers of all ages to dig into a summer filled with books, hands-on activities, and special events as its annual Summer Reading Program, "Unearth a Story," gets underway this month.

Running for five weeks beginning July 6, the program is open to children, teens, and adults with reading challenges, activities, and prizes designed to encourage everyone to spend more time with a good book this summer. If you missed the first week, don’t worry! Library staff say it's never too late to join, and participants can sign up at the library throughout the program.

The prehistoric theme continues throughout the month with weekly Story Time sessions led by Dr. Kate every Wednesday at 9:30am. Young readers can enjoy dinosaur-themed stories, songs, and crafts all month long. Families will also want to mark their calendars for Tuesday, July 28 at 1:00pm, when entertainer “Fun That Pops” presents "Unearth the Impossible," a high-energy magic and balloon show that ties into this year's summer reading theme.

READING HAS GONE TO THE DOGS

One of the library's most popular recurring programs also returns this summer. Every Thursday in July from 1:00-3:00pm, children can sign up for a 15-minute reading session with Gilley, an 8-year-old Labrador Retriever therapy dog.

Studies have shown that reading aloud to therapy animals can help children build confidence while improving reading and communication skills in a relaxed, judgment-free environment. Appointments can be made by contacting the library.

GIVE 716

The Ellicottville Memorial Library is also inviting the community to support its mission through Give 716, Western New York's annual online day of giving hosted by the Buffalo Bills Foundation and Buffalo Sabres Foundation. The fundraising event runs from 7:16pm on July 15 through 11:59pm on July 16, with hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the region participating.

Now in its fifth year, Give 716 has grown into one of the region's largest charitable fundraising events. Since its launch in 2021, the campaign has generated more than $5.9 million through 47,000+ donations from nearly 30,000 unique donors, benefiting more than 900 Western New York nonprofits. Last year's event alone raised more than $1.44 million for over 500 participating charities.

Supporters can make an online donation to the Ellicottville Memorial Library during the 28-hour giving event, helping fund programs, services, and resources that benefit the local community throughout the year. Many donations may also qualify for matching funds or special incentive prizes offered during Give 716, allowing contributions to go even further.

Giving is easy! Simply go to give716.org and search Ellicottville Memorial Library in the search window.

PRO AM RAFFLE

Another way you can support our local library is by purchasing a raffle ticket for the Ellicottville Memorial Library Pro Am, one of the library's largest annual fundraisers, with winners to be drawn Aug. 3 during the tournament which takes place at Holiday Valley. Many great prizes are up for grabs, including Buffalo Bills autographed merchandise, a golf package for two to Holiday Valley Resort, greens fees to other courses including Moonbrook Country Club in Jamestown, Lakeview Country Club in North East, PA, and Seneca Hickory Stick Club in Lewiston, plus a flat screen TV, Kindle Fire, Bose headphones, an Edel EOS 2.0 putter, gift cards to various dining establishments, and a 2-hour indoor golf lesson with PGA Professional Jake Northrup.

Now entering its 24th year, the Ellicottville Memorial Library Pro Am has become one of the area’s premier charity golf tournaments. The event pairs PGA professionals with amateur golfers for a day of competition, camaraderie, and community support. Since the tournament began in 2003, the tournament has helped support the Ellicottville Memorial Library through scholarships, educational programs, technology resources, children's activities, community events, and ongoing facility improvements.

Raffle tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. Get your tickets at the library or from any library board member.

FRESH FRUITS & VEGGIES

Community members are encouraged to take advantage of the FeedMore WNY Farm Market, which will make stops at the Ellicottville Memorial Library beginning July 25 from 10:00-11:00am. Additional visits are scheduled for Aug. 8, 22, Sept. 12 and 26.

The Farm Market is a mobile produce market operated by FeedMore WNY, a nonprofit organization that serves Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties by improving access to nutritious food. The program was created to reduce the number of "food deserts” - communities where fresh, healthy food is difficult to obtain - by bringing affordable fruits and vegetables directly to neighborhoods throughout Western New York.

Unlike a traditional food pantry, the Farm Market is open to everyone. Shoppers can purchase locally grown and seasonal produce at affordable prices, with most items priced under $5. The market accepts cash, debit and credit cards, tap-to-pay, and SNAP/EBT benefits, with SNAP shoppers receiving a 50% discount on eligible purchases.

For a full schedule of programs at the library and to learn more about available resources, new book releases, or to register for their summer reading program, visit the Ellicottville Memorial Library, 6499 Maples Road or call 716-699-2842.