Eureka Library is installing a new elevator. Work began Jan. 9. (Photo courtesy of Eureka Library)

Very soon, patrons of Eureka Public Library will no longer be hindered by stairs when accessing the Children’s Library. That is the goal of the library and its volunteers.

Thanks to The Friends of Eureka Public Library, the building will feature an elevator. The new lift will provide access to disabled people, young people and parents with strollers, to the lower level of the building.

Program Coordinator Cindy O’Neill said library workers often retrieve materials for visitors who cannot use stairs, and parents often leave strollers on the main floor.

“Strollers shouldn’t need to be left on the main floor, then they have to carry everything back up the stairs, along with their kids,” O’Neill said. “Also our staff have to bring things up and down the stairs, so the elevator will help in a lot of ways.”

A pair of signed Chicago Cubs 2016 MVP Ben Zobrist batting gloves will be available by silent auction Jan. 26 at Eureka College’s Cerf Center. All money garnered from the auction will fund the library’s installation of a passenger elevator. (Photo courtesy of Eureka Library)

On Jan. 26, the Eureka College will host a special Elevate Gala to assist in fundraising for the library beginning at 5 p.m. at the college’s Cerf Center. Speeches will be given by former library president Chuck Staley, Nancy Ryan, Davenport Elementary School principal, and Eureka Hospital administrator Anna Laible.

Illinois State Representative Thomas Bennett signed Eureka Library’s Elevate Reading support wall in October, 2016.  (Photo courtesy of Eureka Library)

Dinner follows at 6 p.m. followed by a silent auction, emceed by Eureka coach Craig Gerdes. Of the more than 35 items up for bid are vacation condos in Branson, Mo., special Ben Zobrist items, vintage library items, a Peoria Chiefs package featuring tickets and jerseys, art from local artists and gift cards for local businesses.

“We are so excited that Ben has contributed these items to our event,” Library Director Ann Reeves said of Zobrist’s donations. “Ben donated these items in September, months before their participation in the World Series was assured. The Cubs and Ben’s success makes these items even more special.”

Going to the gala?

One of more than 35 items at auction Jan. 26 to benefit Eureka Public Library is a vacation condo stay on San Pedro Island, Texas. The condo features three bedrooms, two baths and a beachfront balcony with private beach access  (Photo courtesy of Eureka Library)

Gala tickets are $50 each and are on sale at Eureka Public Library at 202 S. Main St. Space is limited, and purchasers are encouraged to buy tickets early.

Ticket holders must be present to bid on items.

For more information on the Elevate Reading Gala, contact the library at (309) 467.2922 or visit www.eurekapl.org.

— Zobrist items featured at Eureka Library dinner/auction fundraiser —