Northampton Area Public Library’s annual basket social was held Oct. 9 at Northampton Banquet and Event Center, 1601 Laubach Ave. The event ran 6-8 p.m., with winner selection beginning 8 p.m.

NAPL leader Veronica Laroche and librarian Sadie Barnett staffed a ticket sales table. The ever-pleasant Laroche was clearly enjoying the sale as she talked to patrons and friends.

Laroche began her library career at Coplay Public Library, where she served as the library assistant. Because of her attention to detail and professional demeanor, she was promoted to be the Coplay director after two years as the assistant. In two more years, Laroche was hired to become the NAPL director.

Audrey May Ernst, Paula Behler, Georgia Costalas and Maryanne Steinert, all members of the Friends of the NAPL, staffed the baked goods tables. Behler serves as the organization’s vice president. They noted most of the baked goods were homemade by Friends of NAPL members.

The kitchen was open and offered a number of culinary delights such as turkey barbecue, burgers, hot dogs, pierogies and filling. The kitchen offered a wide array of soft drinks, coffee and water.

Delightful volunteers Amanda Althouse, of Bath; Michele Haines, of Whitehall; and Theresa Wagner, of Northampton, enjoyed the bustle of waiting on attendees as they purchased satisfying food at the event.

Special tickets and expensive big-ticket items tickets were sold by Bonnie Trump, of Allentown, and Rachel Robinson, of Danielsville. They were cheerful as they interacted with attendees.

Baskets were placed on themed tables, such as hobbies, food and drink, kids stuff, mens items, health and beauty and holidays, that helped organize the event and increase efficiency for patrons.

John Weiss, of Kreidersville, a longtime supporter of the library and near annual attendee of the basket social, enjoyed seeing the variety of baskets. He mused about small placards placed on many tables announcing “No ticket folding! Any folded tickets will be disqualified.”

NAPL has served the local community for more than 60 years.

The first public library in Northampton Borough opened its doors Aug. 23, 1965, at the north end of the Northampton Community Center, now called Northampton Banquet and Event Center.

In 1966, Dr. George A. Eichler established a building fund because the organization quickly outgrew its initial space. In October of 1971, George and Hattie Schisler donated $125,000 to fund the building of a new library.

In 1972, the library officially incorporated as a nonprofit organization. The library serves patrons across the Northampton Area School District, covering the boroughs of Northampton, Bath and Chapman and Allen, East Allen, Lehigh and Moore townships.

Libraries are considered quality-of-life organizations in any town. Holding fundraisers like the basket social are part of the funding lifeline to keep these important entities alive, serving their municipalities and simply making their towns better.