HPER library offers up books, massages in auction

On Friday, October 25, the Indiana School of Health, Physical Education and Recreation Library will host a benefit auction in hopes of improving its library facilities. There is no charge to attend and all students, faculty and staff of the IU campus are welcome to come. Those who attend will have a first glimpse at the items waiting to be auctioned at a preview on Friday between 11:30 a.m. to noon. The actual auction will then be held from noon to 1 p.m. in Room 125 of the HPER building. All proceeds from the benefit will benefit the HPER Library.\nA variety of items will be auctioned, ranging from certificates to restaurants, flowers, IU Auditorium tickets, music lessons, massage therapy sessions, clothing, books, personal fitness sessions, and even a custom-designed whitewater kayak. Mary Strow, Head Librarian for the HPER Library and a leader in planning this year's benefit including three in the past, said prices for the items range from $1 to $250 for gourmet dinners. However, Strow said that most items are in the $10 to $25 dollar range. Strow is one of three coordinators planning the benefit. Along with Strow are Branch Coordinator Ada Pennington and Reference Associate Ben Maccaby. \n"Usually around 100 people turn out for the event," Strow said. "(There is) a combination of students, faculty, staff, and lately, some community members. The room is always packed."\nLast year the HPER Library made over $3,000 from the auction. The HPER Library runs the event each year, with support from the HPER and the IU Libraries. "Many librarians and HPER faculty have donated items to the auction," Strow said. "It's a real collaboration."\nThe annual HPER benefit has been a tradition for 16 years. Maccaby said the coordinating staff has been working since September in order to plan for the event. \n"There was a lot of preparation in making the fliers and the donations forms for everyone to fill out, " Maccaby said. \nMost of the items were donated by librarians from all the libraries on campus, and the HPER faculty and staff. \n"All of the money that will be raised will be used to benefit the HPER Library in various ways," Strow said. "It might be books, furniture, equipment, signs, magazines or videos."\nStrow also added that this benefit is a good way to start Christmas shopping early. "There are a variety of things that I think students, as well as professionals, can use as well," she said.\nAs far as memorable auction items, Strow says her most memorable donation was Dean Gallahue's annual truckload of horse manure. \n"This is always a popular item up for bid," Strow said. "Also, last year was memorable because it was Dean Tony Mobley's last auction after 15 years. He was a terrific supporter of the HPER Library."\nJunior Mark Flotow believes this auction is a good idea. \n"I think it is great that the HPER Library is doing its own benefit to accommodate its library," Flotow said. "I think most libraries should have an auction like this in order to enhance their own facilities, without taking money out of their own budget."\nThe HPER Support Staff Council will also be serving a Sloppy Joe lunch in room 125 of the HPER Building before the auction starts. A sandwich, chips and a drink will cost $3. The auction is free and open to the public.