Library Highlights Fundraising Success and Holiday Event Plans

Spread the love

Casey Township Library Board Meeting | Nov. 2025

Article Summary: The Casey Township Library Board received updates on recent fundraising efforts and youth programming participation. Officials noted the receipt of state grant funds and discussed logistics for the upcoming Christmas parade.

Library Programs and Finance Key Points:

  • Fundraising: The Friends of the Library raised approximately $400 at the Fall Harvest of Blessings.

  • Grant Funding: The library received a $5,000 per capita grant, which has been utilized to purchase books.

  • Youth Participation: Eighty-one children are currently signed up for the Imagination Library program.

  • Holiday Plans: The library is seeking volunteers and a float for the “Candy Canes on Main” Christmas Light Parade.

The Casey Township Library Board on Thursday, November 6, 2025, reviewed successful fundraising totals and discussed upcoming community engagement events.

Friends of the Library (FCTL) President Tom Daughhetee reported that the group raised approximately $400 at the Fall Harvest of Blessings on November 1.

Librarian Gretchen Murphy provided updates on the library’s youth offerings. Currently, 81 children are enrolled in the Imagination Library program. Murphy noted that Carole Pringle will take a cutout of Dolly Parton to the “Rock ‘n Christmas” program at Harlan Hall in Marshall to promote the initiative.

Recent events have seen strong attendance. An author presentation on October 28 by Jill and Matt Cheatham, discussing “Rainy Day Miracle,” was well received. Additionally, the “Mother Goose on the Loose” program with Abby Solorio read to 17 children remotely in addition to in-person attendees.

Murphy also reported that the library recently received $5,000 in per capita grant funding, which was used to purchase new books.

Looking ahead, the board discussed participation in the “Candy Canes on Main” Christmas Light Parade scheduled for December 6, 2025. Murphy informed the board that the library requires willing workers, ideas, materials, and a trailer with a tow vehicle to enter a float.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting at Richards Farm. Pictured (l to r) in front of the World’s Largest Jigsaw Puzzle are Chris Snedeker, Jay Marwell, Teresa Winnett, Jeff Winnett, Marcy Mumford, Megan Peavler, Sharon Durham, Kurt Squires, Tom Daughhetee, and Brian Hancock.

Casey Rotary Club Meeting Held

The Casey Rotary Club toured the Rock Shop on Main Street in downtown Casey on Tuesday, following a presentation by owner Jeff Winnett at Tuesday’s Rotary...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.38 AM

Council Increases Popcorn Festival Funding to $25,000 After Heated Budget Debate

Casey City Council approved a $25,000 donation to the annual Popcorn Festival Monday night after a lengthy and sometimes tense discussion about the city's financial priorities and the festival's growing...
Screenshot 2025-07-09 at 10.53.13 AM

Casey Moves Forward with Hotel Feasibility Study and TIF District Analysis

Casey City Council approved two economic development initiatives Monday night aimed at increasing tourism revenue and expanding development opportunities in the community. Council members unanimously approved a hotel feasibility study...
Meeting Briefs

Casey City Council July 7 Meeting Briefs

Police Vehicle Purchase: Casey City Council approved the purchase of a 2025 Chevrolet Tahoe squad car for $54,864 from Mike Chevrolet. The vehicle was budgeted in last year's appropriations but...
Donna-Wilson

Donna K. Wilson

Donna K. Wilson, age 82, of Martinsville, IL, passed away peacefully at 7:40 a.m. on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at Casey Health Care Center, Casey, IL. She was born on...
cooling

Cooling Centers Available

When temperatures exceed 90°F, individuals beyond the senior demographic face potential risks if their cooling mechanisms malfunction. The Township, Senior Center, and Emergency Management Agency (E.M.A.) offer a cooling center...
no carts

No Carts in Fairview Park Walking Paths

The Casey Police Department wants to remind residents that no golf carts, ATVs, or motorized vehicles of any kind are allowed on the walking and biking path in Fairview Park,...
Rocking Chair.2

Beauty around the Rocking Chair

The Rocking Chair was looking beautiful for visitors this Fourth of July weekend.
The Marketing Team of Downstate Illinois was present at Tuesday’s Rotary Club weekly meeting at Richards Farm. They were the guests of new member Tom Daughhetee, Economic Development Director for the City of Casey. Pictured (l to right) are Christine Orr, Sales & Marketing Director; Abbie Hernandez, Sales & Marketing Specialist; Jordan Jackovich, Communications Manager; and Daughhetee. Photo by Sharon Durham

Rotary Hosts Discover Downstate Illinois Marketing Team

Discover Downstate Illinois Marketing Team takes care of everything from the planning, designing, placing, and even paying some of the bills for members. They can assist with various marketing projects,...
Julie-Redman-1751715715

Julie Beth Redman

Julie Beth (Hughes) Redman, age 60, of Casey, IL, passed away at 11:44 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center, Mattoon, IL. She was born...
Casey County Club

Julie Snyder Named Honorary Chairperson for 75th Casey Open

July at the Casey Country Club means that it is time for the Casey Open. This year, we will be celebrating the 75th year of this competitive event. Julie Snyder...
David-Hawkins-1750879480

David Eugene Hawkins

David Eugene Hawkins, age 33, of Casey, IL, passed away at 1:27 a.m. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, in Casey, IL. He was born on March 6, 1992, in Terre...
CIA Casey in Action

Registration open now: ‘Pop On In’ to the 2025 CIA 5K Fun Run/Walk

Registration is open for Casey In Action’s annual KZ5K set for 7 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30 with a larger than life route through downtown Casey featuring Big Things, including most...
Donald-Maxey-1750352075

Donald Lee “Don” Maxey

Donald Lee “Don” Maxey, age 61, of Martinsville, IL, passed away at 1:51 a.m. on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at his residence. He was born December 1, 1963, in Terre...
Keith-Wattleworth-1750430743

Keith Richard Wattleworth

Keith Richard Wattleworth, a lifelong farmer and resident of Yale, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home of 56 years on June 18, 2025. He was 90 years old. Keith...