Friends of Lake Stevens Library plan ‘Stories That Shape Us’ auction fundraiser Sept. 27 to support children's and teen spaces

Lynn Allen, representing the Friends of the Lake Stevens Library, updated the board on fundraising activities for the new Lake Stevens library’s children’s and teen spaces and previewed a fall dinner and auction.

Lynn said the Friends are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) that has supported the Lake Stevens Library since 1998. The group reported proceeds of about $2,500 from a recent spring book sale and listed upcoming outreach and sales at community events such as the Pride carnival and AquaFest.

Lynn outlined a major fundraiser, "Stories That Shape Us," a dinner and auction scheduled for Sept. 27, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the food bank. Tickets are $100 each; a presenting sponsor level of $5,000 was described as including a table (eight seats). The Friends asked for in-kind donations for silent and live auctions (art, experiences, baskets, services). Lynn described one live-auction item already committed: a fire-department ride to school on a child’s birthday. The Friends emphasized proceeds will be used for furniture, shelving, games and other items for children’s and teen spaces in the new library building.

Board members noted they are city officials and cannot act in their official capacity to buy tables or sponsor the event but indicated individual support was welcome. Lynn provided contact information and a donation request form and invited board members to share the information publicly; she gave explicit permission for her name and phone number to be shared at the city council meeting.

The presentation was informational; no board action was taken.