MOSES LAKE — If you are a fan of books, bagels and supporting a good cause then you might want to circle March 18 on your calendar, as the Moses Lake Public Library Foundation’s (MLPLF) “Bagels for Books” fundraiser is set to return to raise money for the Moses Lake Public Library.

The event will be held from 9-11 a.m. in the cafeteria at Frontier Middle School in Moses Lake, 517 W. Third Ave. The event features live music, local authors, an appearance by Mrs. America 2017 Natalie Luttmer, and, of course, bagels and books. Funds raised will go toward completing the installation of shelving in the children’s section of the Moses Lake Public Library.

“Encouraging a love of literacy is one of the most important things a parent can do for their child. Our public library offers resources to foster the joy of reading for every child in our community, no matter their circumstances. The Moses Lake Public Library deserves our support and is a resource that helps encourage growth in our community. Bagels for Books is a fun, family event that gives everyone the opportunity to show their support to our library,” Luttmer said. “Our library's facilities are in desperate need of updates to keep up with the public demand of library resources. I am proud to support the Moses Lake Public Library Foundation and its efforts to improve our library.”

Last year’s inaugural Bagels for Books event attracted more than 200 people and saw almost $2,000 raised to help complete the shelving project. The MLPLF has an overall long-term goal to do a major overhaul at the library, but is focusing on shelving in the short-term, MLPLF president Tim Fuhrman previously stated.

“The Foundation is excited to be hosting Bagels for Books 2017! We had been looking for something different and family friendly and think we’re right on target with Bagels for Books,” Furhman said. “Our inaugural event last year was such a hit that we’ve been eagerly awaiting the chance to do it again! We are in the process of gathering a variety local authors come and talk about their books, the children’s choir will be back, and this year we will have a band play some songs for us.”

For more information on the MLPLF contact Barbara Guilland at 509-765-3219 or visit www.mlplf.org.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at city@columbiabasinherald.com.