Fort St. John public library hopes to raise $30,000 through barbecue raffle

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Public Library is hoping to raise $30,000 for its summer reading program through a barbecue raffle. 

The library is running the raffle until July 30, with ticket sales ending at 11 a.m. and the draw happening at 3 p.m. 

According to Stacy Haddrell-Flotre, director of library services, the library needs additional funding. 

“We do not have enough funding through our basic grants to be able to provide programs,” she said. 

The winner of the raffle will receive a Louisiana Founder Legacy 1200 Pellet Grill / Smoker. 

She added, “This barbecue was donated to us by a member of the community and we found that this raffle would be a great way to help raise some funds towards our programs.” 

Haddrell-Flotre said the library has been running on grants and annual funds since 2010, with no major increase. 

“The funding to public libraries throughout B.C., with inflation and ongoing increased costs…we have had to pull from our programs to be able to meet our basic operating needs,” she said.

The library hopes to raise $30,000 to cover the budget for its summer reading program. 

Haddrell-Flotre added that this is the start of fundraising campaigns the library is considering, as it continually needs funding. 

So far, the raffle has raised $1,000 in sales. 

She said, “At this time, we are hoping with the support of our community and community partners, we can get the word about this raffle spread and see those sales jump quickly.” 

Haddrell-Flotre said all the library programs could use funding, including replacing the patron computer system, daily and monthly programs, art programs and a Dungeons and Dragons club. 

She said, “All of our other programs help to bring a community together and to provide a safe space for people to gather and be involved with others.” 

Haddrell-Flotre said all library programs have a cost, even though the library provides them at no charge to the community.

She said, “We appreciate all of the community support as we are trying to build a more connected and inclusive environment for our community members to be able to meet and gather.” 

“Any support you can provide, whether it be through donations of supplies or participating in some of our events or direct donation, is greatly appreciated.” 

People can buy raffle tickets at the library during working hours or online at FSJPL.rafflenexus.com.