Good Times Roll, For A Cause

New Haven felt a little closer to New Orleans Tuesday night as revelers converged on Mitchell Library during the annual Mardi Gras fundraising celebration for the New Haven Free Public Library.

Celebrating the freedom to read and unfettered access to information, some 200 people enjoyed a last night of hell for a good cause before the start of the solemness of the Lenten season.

Shana Schneider (pictured above), president of the New Haven Free Public Library Board of Directors, served as mistress of ceremonies as celebrants partook of the many additional opportunities the event provides to further give back to the library. City Librarian Martha Brogan said that the event aimed to raise up to $50,000.

The night’s celebrants included revelers like this Fair Haven community organizer (did you guess Lee Cruz?) …

… the Yale University mascot …

… and a pre-masked city transit czar Doug Hausladen stepped into a Mitchell Library transformed into a little French Quarter, with the Funky Dawgz Brass Band providing a lively soundtrack.

The important work of the city’s library system wasn’t the only subject of celebration on the menu Tuesday night. Attendees also got to celebrate a milestone for the forthcoming new Stetson Library in the Dixwell neighborhood, which will call the future Q House home. Elsie Chapman (pictured), president of the library foundation board, announced that $1.7 million of the $2 million capital campaign had been raised to provide the furnishings and fixtures.

“We only have $300,000 more to go,” she said. ​“Wouldn’t it be great if we raised the additional $300,000 tonight?” The question drew cheers from the audience.

City Librarian Martha Brogan, pictured wearing her freedom tiara, said that the annual event has become a time-honored tradition that celebrates philanthropy through the library and a ​“strong resilient and informed community where everyone can thrive.”

“Upholding the democratic principle of giving free and unfettered access to information, resources, experiences, and opportunities for all, Mardi Gras celebrates the library’s vital role in the community and also focuses attention on the extent to which we rely not only on city funding but on the philanthropy of friends like you,” Brogan told the assembled. ​“To fulfill our mission we count on your support to keep our resources, programs, and workshops free and public.”

Mayor Toni Harp called the city’s public library system ​“one of New Haven’s undeniable jewels.”

“I have always believed that the collective will of an informed electorate could and would steer a just and moral society,” Harp said. ​“As a function of that belief, I have always supported libraries because that is where people have ready access to important information. It’s where people become the informed electorate.”

Harp encouraged attendees to keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive throughout Lent. But not through the revelry of eating, drinking and merrymaking that they engaged in Tuesday night.

“Let’s parade through the stacks to find just the right book to read,” she said. ​“Let’s throw beads and necklaces and treats to one another of all the good things we’ve learned through the reading that we’ve done.

“Let’s dance with the ideas prompted by interesting articles we’ve read,” Harp said further. ​“And let’s respectfully debate disagreements about the best way to move forward on different policy proposals. The public library has been a non-stop festival of creative thought, important ideas, and news of the day.”

To contribute or learn more about The Next Chapter funding campaign, visit the NHFPL website here.