TENNERTON – A fundraiser sponsored by the Upshur County Public Library offers residents the opportunity to support the library while buying a chance to win Christmas baskets brimming with seasonal items.

UCPL assistant librarian Beth Rogers said there are six different baskets folks can win through the Christmas gift basket raffle.

“We have hosted raffles before, but this one offers prizes that can be used for gift-giving or to use with your family this time of the year,” Rogers said.

The baskets include a Christmas movie basket, which includes Christmas movies, reindeer travel mugs, popcorn, cookies and a Christmas throw; a Christmas baking basket, which includes a rolling pin, icing, cookie mixes, measuring spoons and cups and cookie cutters; and a coffee basket including Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, two Christmas fiction books, mugs, a brownie mix and a $25 Amazon gift card.

But wait – there’s more. UCPL is also auctioning off a children’s book basket containing a collection of children’s books, Silly Putty, Hot Wheels and stuffed animals; a Christmas cookie basket containing sugar cookie and peanut butter cookie mixes, icing, sprinkles and cookie cutters; and, finally, a basket full of vintage Lord & Taylor Christmas ornaments.

Rogers said the library hopes to raise about $1,000 from the raffle ticket sales. Tickets are $1 each or six for $5. Proceeds from the raffle will be used to fund library programs and services, including a few new events.

“It will help us to do some additional programs and services,” Rogers said. “Summer reading is one of our biggest programs. We are starting to add adult and teen programs. We have our first teen craft night coming up next week. We are going to do an adult reading bingo in the winter months. We are trying some new things to help engage the community.”

Rogers said the Upshur County Public Library is an important part of the community.

“Libraries are for everyone,” she said. “Everyone deserves access to information and resources for entertainment and for learning. Libraries enable that by giving everyone equal access to information whether that information is in print, through our print collection or by coming in and using our computers or bring in your own computer and using our wi-fi.

“We seek to engage the whole family and the whole community in life-long learning,” Rogers added.

The Upshur County Public Library in Tennerton is located at 1120 Route 20 South Rd., and the baskets are on display at the library.

Raffle tickets are available for sale at the circulation desk and the drawing will take place Wednesday, Dec. 14.