The Friends of the Victoria Public Library hosted its fourth annual Twelfth Night reception on Friday.

Friends of the Victoria Public Library Secretary Trudy Berry said this is the first year that the library has presented certificates of appreciation to its supporters. She said they hope to do so annually.

This is the friends of the library’s fourth year hosting the event, Berry said. “If I recall correctly, our first event was January 2013, but we could not hold it (last) January.”

The recipients of this year’s certificates of appreciation were Ollie and Sue Wright, Bernard Overby and Claude Otey and his Saturday Night Music Group.

Because of inclement weather, only Otey was able to attend the reception to receive his award.

Otey and his Saturday Night Music Group have been performing at the library on Saturday nights for some time, Berry said.

“He gives the donations he collects to the library for materials and building improvements,” she said.

The Wrights have not only volunteers as members and officers of Friends of the Victoria Public Library, but have also provided supplies to the library for years, out of their own pockets, Berry said.

Overyby has also been involved with the friends group by making monthly donations for several years.

“I don’t know how long, but at least since 2009 or 2010, and I suspect a lot longer than that,” Berry said of Overby’s giving.

Berry said The Friends of the Victoria Public Library will seek to continue the tradition of honoring library volunteers and donors  during coming years.

She said the event is not a fundraiser, but held to give back to the community.

There were refreshments and lit Christmas trees to celebrate the occasion.

“Participation of groups decorating trees has dwindled just a bit the last couple years … but we hope to increase it again next year,” Berry said. “It is still beautiful to see the trees at night.”

 

This story has been clarified to reflect the correct event host.