(The Intercourse Library) started in 1975 in the little schoolhouse," stated Catherine O'Sullivan, director of the Intercourse Library, of the history of the organization. The schoolhouse O'Sullivan spoke of is still located at the corner of Route 340 and Evergreen Street in Intercourse.

In 2007, the library moved to its present location at 31 Center St., Intercourse, and that will be the setting for the organization's Golden Jubilee, which will celebrate the 50th anniversary. The event, which will feature wine tasting, hearty hors d'oeuvres, and desserts, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A silent auction, including a number of items, and live music will be part of the event.

The Jubilee recalls an annual fundraiser that the library held in the past. "This was previously called the Intercourse Library Gala," explained board member Michele Lichty, who noted that shrimp cocktail and pork tenderloin will be on the menu for the event. Fellow board member Mary Alice High reminded Lichty that a special soup will also be on the menu this year. "Oh yes, we have auctioned some of the soup on in the past," said Lichty, who confirmed that the popular corn crab chowder will be among this year's offerings. A charcuterie will be served, as will many desserts from local entities, including M&A Sweet Treats and Pepper Lane. "Pellman donated a cheesecake, and we will have cupcakes from Sweet Shenanigans," said Lichty, who added that board member Sadie Ebersole is making hot milk cakes to serve. Wine samples will be served, and The Caring Cup, a new nonprofit in the area, will serve coffee. Tea will be on the beverage menu as well.

The musical sounds of Ric Weaver and his wife, Catherine, will be heard throughout the library during the Jubilee.

A fundraising silent auction will be a highlight of the Jubilee. "We will have four quilts," said Lichty. The quilts to go over the block will include two for babies, a wall hanging emblazoned with a giant red heart, and a king-size quilt in lavender and white featuring a star pattern in cross-stitch. Other items to be auctioned will include two tickets to Longwood Gardens, which will be sold with fresh flowers; a Byers Choice Santa; and a $100 gift certificate toward a stay at Osceola Mill House. Kitchen Kettle will donate a gift basket. The library staff have chosen to create a chocolate and book basket to donate, and one board member is donating a coffee basket, and another will give a wine basket. Paintings from local artists April Biller and Bill Dodds will be auctioned, as will a timeshare in Williamsburg, Va., donated by Sue Gregg.

Throughout the year, the library has celebrated reaching 50 years of serving the community in a number of ways. In January, doughnuts and coffee and a historical display were featured. In February, a genealogy expert spoke, and in March, movies were shown. Other events included presentations by and about local authors and artists, and a presentation on General Lafayette was given in honor of the Lancaster County Lafayette Bicentennial.

Organizers suggest that readers who wish to purchase tickets for the event should do so by Wednesday, Oct. 1. Tickets may be purchased by calling the library at 717-768-3160 or through a link at https://intercourselib.org. Some tickets may be available at the door.