Library Foundation’s ‘Beyond the Book Bash’ Raises $80K

Literary luminaries, an up-and-coming local music star, artisan cuisine and libations from local donors such as Front Porch Farms and Sammy Hagar made the annual Beyond the Book Bash fundraiser for the Mill Valley Public Library another night to remember. Held at the Throckmorton Theatre Sept. 30, the event raised nearly $80,000, proceeds of which support Mill Valley Library programs, services and an endowment that will fund them in perpetuity.  

In the Beyond the Book Bash tradition, readings, performances, and film clips were woven together by way of a literary theme in a show produced by Tom Corwin. Nationally acclaimed authors such as New York Times bestselling author David Talbot, Michael Krasny, author and host of KQED’s forum, and award-winning poet Chinaka Hodge entertained the audience and music by local rising star Matt Jaffe rocked the house. 

In addition to the talent and generosity of the performers, local businesses and private donors also contributed greatly to the evening. Equator Coffee & Tea’s new catering team, led by renowned chef and cookbook author Jennifer Bushman, provided fine cuisine. Fort Point Beer, Picket Fence Vineyards and wine donated from the private collection of Caren and Nick Orum, as well as additional treats from Piazza D’Angelo and Mill Valley Market, rounded out the evening. 

Before the show, event sponsors mingled with performers at a pre-event VIP party at Mill Valley’s Seager Gray Gallery.

The Mill Valley Library Foundation has raised more than $1.5M for an endowment and financial support of programs such as First Fridays and After Hours events, children and teen programming, and digital entertainment, all free to the public. In 2015 alone, the library offered more than 1,000 free programs. 

“Programs like these make the library more relevant than ever,” said Anji Brenner, city librarian. Mill Valley Library ranks near the top in program attendance amongst libraries serving similar-sized populations.