According to Executive Director Tammy Garrison, the Murder Mystery — A Murder in Maui — was held for two nights on the Sons and Daughters of Italy’s outdoor patio.

Both nights brought in almost 100 people each and, at the end, managed to raise $7,684 for the library’s program.

“We earned $8,964 — which is $7,684 in profit,” Garrison said. “We made about $4,000 last year, so this is a great improvement!”

Garrison noted holding two shows — one on a Saturday night and another the following Sunday afternoon — was extremely helpful.

PHOTO PROVIDED John Shaffer, foreground, interacts with the audience during the Murder Mystery event.

The Murder in Maui took place at a luxury hotel in Hawaii where its owner Harold Albert (John Shaffer) was holding an annual fundraiser with his girlfriend Bambi Bianca (Trish Severino) and business partner Rebel Hanukkaiiaihani (Jeremy Pearson) by his side. Also in attendance was The Entertainment Donny Wo (Christopher Stanonis), local voodoo expert Mrs. Abagail Wiggins (Tracey White) and Private Investigator Thomas Magnus (Ben Green). The story was narrated by Bill Feerrar.

Things take a quick turn when Harold’s ex-wife, Stella Capwell (Angela Harding), and step daughter, Ruth Astoria (Denya Mutchler), come to town and say they’ll be taking over the hotel. What followed was an interactive night filled with murder, lots of clues and even more laughs as the audience worked to learn the truth behind it all.

“We had 95 people in attendance the first night, and Sunday afternoon we had 79 people in attendance,” she said. “Both shows were sold out at 95 tickets. We had a great turnout.”

Garrison noted tickets for the shows were sold out a month in advance, even with the second showing.

“The money is going to go toward summer and fall programs at the library,” she said. “We believe in ‘education, information and inspiration,’ which these programs bring to the people of the county at all three of our branches.”

PHOTO PROVIDED Ross Library’s Spring Book Sale proved to be a big hit for its first year.

Garrison explained the programs “provide education and enrichment to all age groups, and things like our teen service projects have a direct impact outside of the libraries’ walls.”

With its Fall Book Sale such a popular staple in the city, the library chose to hold a Spring Book Sale this year in March.

According to Garrison, the new book sale was a success as well.

“The book sale also did great, which came in at $8,383 earned and $8,262 profit,” she said. “We’re moving to a model of two book sales a year due to the amount of stock we have donated from the people of the county.”

Garrison expressed gratitude to those who choose to donate their books to the sale.

PHOTO PROVIDED Christopher Stanonis, far right, reacts as it is revealed his character was the killer.

“They’re very generous with their donations, and we love to give the books new homes,” she said. “It’s also a delight when we get books donated back to us again and again, because it means that one book is touching a lot of people.”

Garrison explained that, although the library does receive state and local funding, these fundraisers are crucial to ensure the library is successful in its mission.

“State and local funding do make up a large portion of our budget, but we couldn’t do the work we do for the people of Clinton County without the support of individual donors and the support of the members of our community for our fundraisers,” she said. “We’re also thankful for our sponsors. Schlesinger Communications gave us free air time and did other promotions for us.”

“The Sons of Italy did a tremendous amount for us. They were a Presenting sponsor,” she continued. “They provided the space, food for Saturday night, bartenders and the alcohol. They also let us into the space for rehearsals.”

All sponsors were: Schlesinger Communications; The Sons and Daughters of Italy; Daikon/AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP; APC International, Ltd.; Lugg & Lugg Law Office; Horizon Federal Credit Union; Powers Health Center; Lock Haven Rehabilitation & Senior Living; Reese’s Print Shop; Journey Bank; Girl Scout Troop 40164, Leo’s Italian & Specialty Foods; Pearl’s Cafe on Main; Rey Azteca; Weis Lock Haven; Weis Mill Hall; Clean Air Technologies; Redmond’s Complete Comfort, LLC; The Valley Hotel; It Is What It Is and Stella A’s.

“We also had great volunteers, including Rona Houser, who coordinated so much of the event, including directing the show,” Garrison said.

To learn more about the Clinton County Libraries visit rosslibrary.org/.