Peshastin Library Ice Cream Social fundraiser returns July 25

PESHASTIN — The Friends of the Peshastin Library will host the community's annual Ice Cream Social fundraiser on Saturday, July 25, to support the continued operation and maintenance of one of the region's most distinctive public libraries.

The event will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Peshastin Library, 8396 Main St.

The fundraiser will feature the organization's traditional book sale, cake spin, ice cream and bake sale. Community members are encouraged to donate homemade desserts for the bake sale, with drop-offs accepted after 5 p.m. the day of the event.

Proceeds from the fundraiser help offset the library's annual building and maintenance costs. Donations may be made with cash or through electronic payment options, including Venmo, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay and ACH.

In addition to the fundraiser, the free community event will include fire engine rides provided by the Peshastin Fire Department, a bouncy house and a children's carnival with new activities. Entertainment will be provided by the Saddle Rockers of Wenatchee, the Peshastin Library Ukulele Circle and participants in the library's Mexican Folkloric Dance Kids Summer Series program.

The annual event also celebrates the history of the Peshastin Library, which has served the community since 1929.

The library was established through the efforts of local organizations, including the Peshastin Civic Club, Peshastin Ladies Fellowship Club and the American Legion. In 1966, Friends of the Peshastin Library Inc. was formed in partnership with NCW Libraries. Under that agreement, NCW Libraries provides books and library staff, while the Friends group assumes responsibility for the library building and property.

The Peshastin Library is one of only three branches in the NCW Libraries system that owns its land and building rather than being supported by a municipality.

The Friends group purchased the library property from the Peshastin-Dryden School District in 1967. Local residents designed the building and submitted construction plans, leading to the completion of the current Main Street library in 1968.

The facility underwent renovations in 1982 and again through the NCW Libraries Reimagining the Space project, which began in 2023. Working in partnership with the Friends group, library staff and community members, the renovation was completed in 2024.

Today, the library continues to provide an accessible gathering place and public resource for the Peshastin community.

Organizers said community support through attendance, donations and volunteer efforts has helped sustain the library for nearly a century, and proceeds from the annual Ice Cream Social will continue that tradition.