Newington 5k Challenge will Help with Library Upgrades

From Newington Library: Hundreds of runners, walkers, and spectators are expected to flock to Mill Pond Park in Newington on Sunday as part of the Newington Library 5k Challenge. The event is a huge fundraiser for the Lucy Robbins Welles Library. With a tight budget from the town, the library’s board of trustees relies heavily on donations to enhance and expand the library.

“The funds from this year’s race will go towards refurbishing a sitting room in the children’s area,” said library trustee Anna Eddy. “Every little bit helps. With financial support from the community, like with the donation Eversource gave us, we’re able to do these projects.”

Their plan is to update the seating, put in new shelving, and eventually change the carpet.

“This is such a beautiful library with so many wonderful programs that are offered to the public,” said Eversource Community Relations Specialist Lynn Vasquez. “It’s important that we support their efforts to renovate space in the building because it will ultimately benefit and empower the community who uses it.”

Kevin Mason, another member of the library’s board of trustees, started the race 23 years ago and the trustees continue the tradition each year. On average, the race brings in $10,000 and draws 400 runners and walkers, in addition to hundreds more who come to cheer on the participants.

“It’s the board’s only fundraiser of the year and it’s always such a success,” said library trustee and Chairman of the Race Committee Neil Ryan. “Not only does the community come out to support it, so do people from other towns.”

To find out more about the race or to register online, visit www.raceentry.com and search “Newington Library.”