The Labor Day tradition “Bands for Books,” the end of summer celebration held to raise funds for Wiscasset Public Library, continued Sept. 4. Monday evening’s event sponsored by Friends of the Library had a new venue, Lakehurst Lodge in Damariscotta.

This year’s Band for Books was the first without Katharine Martin-Savage. A dedicated library patron and longtime member of the Friends, Martin-Savage died last April at 80. For the past three years, she had hosted “Bands for Books,” having a circus-like tent erected on the grounds of Seafield Farm, a restored farmhouse on Indian Road, Wiscasset. This year’s event was dedicated to Martin-Savage and began with Wiscasset Selectman William “Bill” Maloney, a longtime friend, leading a champagne toast to her memory.

Maloney said this was the ninth year for Bands for Books, adding he hoped the tradition would continue on for many years to come. Maloney’s wife Lynn, a Friends member, had volunteered to take tickets at the door and she greeted every guest with a friendly smile. The celebration began at 5 p.m. and it was not long before guests were swinging to live rock n’ roll music played by The Salty Dogs featuring vocalist Debbie Ross.

The rustic Lakehurst Lodge, a short drive from downtown Damariscotta off Egypt Road, has been operated by the Pinkham family for over four generations. Some attending Monday night’s event shared nostalgic memories of having attended dances here in the 1970s. Surrounding the well-worn dance floor were tables where people could enjoy canapés, hors d'oeuvres and pastries. In the corner was a mini oyster bar manned by Wiscasset’s Schuyler Wentworth and Don Davis who had volunteered to shuck. There was also a cash bar.

A silent auction included paintings and photographs, gift certificates to local restaurants, a case of craft beers, tickets to see the Portland Seadogs and more.

Bands for Books is Friends of the Library’s biggest fundraiser. It supports building projects and renovations at Wiscasset Public Library on High Street, Wiscasset. Major sponsors for this year’s event included Donald and Susan Blagden, Tania Hayes, Bradbury and Julee Ketelhut, Bradley Scott Maloney and family, John and Pid Rafter, Wendy Ross and Tom Eickler and Cheryl Rust. Business sponsors included Ames True Value, Wiscasset Ford, Big Al’s Fireworks, Big Barn Coffee, Tim Dunham Realty, Carriage House Gardens, The First, Jodie’s Café & Bakery, Red’s Eats, Renys, David P Flynn Carpentry, and Wiscasset Veterinary Hospital.

Next year’s “Bands for Books” event is Sept. 2, 2024.