This week, staff writer Laura Rysz talks with Jessica Serrenti about the upcoming Family Mini-Golf Fundraiser raising money for children’s library programs.
Residence: South Abington Twp.
Educational background: Bachelor’s degree in professional writing from Kutztown University and director of community engagement for Scranton Public Library
Title: Chairwoman
Q: What inspired this event?
A: The inspiration came from the Osterhout Library in Wilkes-Barre. They were the first to hold a mini-golf fundraiser in their library, and we worked with them to learn how the fundraiser works. They are gracious in that they allow us to use their putters and golf balls for our fundraiser.
Q: How does the fundraiser work?
A: The mini golf course will start at the Albright Memorial Library, 500 Vine St., Scranton, and will continue on into the Lackawanna County Children’s Library next door. This year’s event will feature two outdoor holes, weather permitting. Tickets cost $5 for children ages 12 and under and $10 for everyone else. They can be purchased online through Eventbrite or in person at the following Scranton library branch locations: Albright Memorial Library; Lackawanna County Children’s Library, 520 Vine St.; Library Express Bookstore at the Marketplace at Steamtown, second floor, 300 Lackawanna Ave.; and Nancy Kay Holmes Library, 1032 Green Ridge St.
Q: What else will be on hand at the event?
A: There will be raffles at the event, some of which are now on display at the Albright Memorial Library. We have fun raffles like Dorney Park tickets and Electric City Trolley Museum tickets. There are raffle baskets for all ages.
Q: How will proceeds be used?
A: Proceeds will go toward children’s programs and services at our Scranton branch libraries. These programs include kindergarten-readiness classes, story times, science and technology activities, and book clubs.
Q: What is unique about this fundraiser?
A: We don’t normally associate mini golf with libraries, which makes this fundraiser fun for everyone. Each hole is designed to use the book stacks and ramps in the library to create a one-of-a-kind course. We use books to make bridges and tunnels. We have a dragon sculpture with a bridge, and we have a miniature replica of the Bookmobile that people need to shoot their ball under to get a hole-in-one.
Laura Rysz is the features copy editor and calendar editor at The Times-Tribune and runs the Talk of the Times column, which focuses on local fundraisers and other events. She also writes Chef’s Table that profiles restaurants around the region. Additionally, Laura curates events online on AccessNEPA.com. Laura is involved in the special Mother’s Day edition and curates occasional features Marry Memories and Times Travelers. She is a graduate of Haddonfield Memorial High School, New Jersey, and earned an English professional writing degree with a minor in mass communications from King’s College, Wilkes-Barre. She also earned a certificate in Social Media Marketing from Rutgers Business School. Contact: lrysz@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9100 x5228.
