Chattanooga Public Library cancels Club Lib library fundraiser

photo The main branch of the Chattanooga Public Library is located on Broad Street between 10th and 11th streets in downtown Chattanooga.

The Friends of the Library's largest annual fundraiser, expected to raise money for the children's floor in the downtown Chattanooga Public Library, was canceled with little explanation.

Club Lib - an effort that has raised $350,000 for library projects since its inception in 2006 - was planned for today. But officials posted a Facebook message recently announcing the cancellation and offering refunds for any tickets purchased.

"While our efforts were genuine the Council has determined that we are not prepared to move forward with Club Lib 2014," the post said.

Friends of the Library Chairman William Sundquist said the nonprofit didn't have the manpower or public support to host this year's event.

"There is support for what we're doing," Sundquist said. "But we've got to find the right opportunity to get that message out. A lavish party like that - we just weren't ready to do it."

From 2006 to 2011, Club Lib was a popular event to raise money for special projects. In 2010, the gala raised about $80,000 for renovations at the downtown library's children's center.

After Library Director Corinne Hill was hired in 2012, Friends of the Library stopped the fundraiser. But this summer, officials announced a new theme - "The Great Chattsby," a spinoff of "The Great Gatsby" - to support Hill's vision for the downtown library's second-floor children's center.

Hill said the library's second floor is being completely renovated to make space for everyone from infants to 18-year-olds, with a music studio, a teen center, a baby section and a video-making section.

Friends of the Library officials are calling each Club Lib sponsor to ask if they would let the Friends keep their donations for the children's center, Sundquist said. So far, he said, more than half of the sponsors have agreed.

Sundquist said the total amount earned is still unknown, and some costs will go to pay for cancellation fees.

"It's strictly going to that fund for the children's floor and for furniture in the South Chattanooga branch," he said. "There's obviously some cancellation fees, but that was minimal."

Contact staff writer Joy Lukachick Smith at jsmith@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6659.

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