Help SPL Transform The Lot, Support Our Facebook Auction

The empty lot behind the Syracuse Public Library shall remain empty no longer! SPL aims to transform it into a community outdoor space for everyone to enjoy while also creating a new location for programs. With a pavilion and storage barn already purchased, the library is looking to add more features to truly make this space a place to gather and relax.

Each summer, community members have enjoyed chilling in our existing seating areas in front of the library. This library improvement project offers yet another avenue for patrons to enjoy the library and access its free Wi-Fi. As part of the transformation, SPL envisions introducing play structures, outdoor seating, little sitting "rooms," a garden area and a story walk, among other amenities. The library also hopes to include an electric hookup -- something many people who use our existing outdoor spaces have asked for in order to charge electronic devices.

To bring this project fully to fruition, the Syracuse Public Library will host an online basket auction on our Facebook page. Library staff has pulled out all stops, creating twelve themed baskets that feature local items donated by Syracuse's many fantastic businesses, nonprofits and individual donors. The estimated value of these baskets spans from $50 to $158.

Basket supporters include Absolutely Apparel & Gifts, Brew City, Brook Pointe Resort, The Channel Marker, Coffee Depot, Dynamic Floral, Friends of the Syracuse Public Library, Karen Cumings, Kiyomi Japanese Cuisine, library staff, Los Toritos, Maxwelton Golf Club, My Red Moon, Neighborhood Fresh, The Papers Inc., Peterson's Fish, Pickwick Theatre, Pizza King, The Sleepy Owl, Syracuse Hardware, Teghtmeyer Ace Hardware, A Touch of Beauty, and Warrior's Energy & Nutrition.

How It Works

Join us for the basket auction on the Syracuse Public Library's Facebook page. We'll auction the first basket from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, July 1, with the other baskets following throughout the rest of July through Aug. 5. on Tuesdays and Fridays. So, keep your eyes peeled for your perfect basket!

Under your desired basket's photo, place your bid in the Facebook comments between the allotted hours. Each basket will have a starting bid. The highest bid received by the auction's closing (8 p.m.) wins the basket. We will announce the winner the next day on Facebook and will also send the winner a Facebook message; check your other folder in case Facebook sends it to spam.

​Baskets will then be paid for and picked up at the Syracuse Public Library. Auction winners can pay with check (payable to Syracuse Public Library), cash or credit card. While picking up your basket, tell us whether you would like your name included in our recognition of project donors or prefer to remain anonymous.

Make A Splash Basket

A bonus basket features summer vacation fun items, such as children's books, Girl Scout cookies and Brook Pointe Resort swim passes will be bid on in the library itself from July 1-15. Check it out downstairs in the children's department and place your bid.

Other Ways To Help

SPL has donation boxes upstairs and downstairs for those wanting to support the project besides bidding on baskets. Every bit helps the Syracuse Public Library reach its goal of providing the Syracuse community with the best outdoor space we can. Those making donations can request to be included in our recognition of donors or can remain anonymous.

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