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Jake and Caitlin Malishchak of Nanticoke enjoy the hors d’oeuvres during the Nanticoke Library fundraiser at the Susquehanna brewing company in Pittston Saturday night.

PITTSTON — Some of Caitlin Malishchak’s fondest memories of childhood were spending time at Nanticoke’s Mill Memorial Library.

Not only did she enjoy spending time with friends and being introduced to literature, she remembers especially looking forward to sledding on the hills that surrounded the building on East Main Street.

To Malishchak, a “Love Literacy for Life” event Saturday night at the Susquehanna Brewing Company — to raise money for the library — provided an opportunity to look back on the history of the facility and to look forward to maintenance, upgrades and purchases the organization hopes to make.

Now a mother herself, she hopes to share her love for reading with her daughter.

As a young reader, her favorite was “On Beyond Bugs,” with the Cat in the Hat. “It was a book that taught about insects, while making kids laugh,” she said.

Board president Sue Maza hopes Saturday’s night’s event which provided participants with a chance to sample locally brewed beer, sample quality wines, and enjoy finger foods, would provide book lovers the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company while raising necessary funds for the library.

“This is the first time that we’ve done this,” said Maza, adding that about 100 pre-registered to attend. The amount raised is not yet known.

Volunteer Karen Kanjorski manned the basket raffle table which were donated by members of the community.

Baskets contained everything from food items to household good to entertainment opportunities.

“People have been very generous and it is for a great cause,” said Karen Kanjorski.

Board member Vicki Frace, lifetime friend of Kanjorski, said the two share many memories centered on the library and want to provide opportunity for the next generation to forge long time friendships over a book, a computer or while participating in a book club.

Paul Kosiba, Scranton, said he thought the event was a perfect opportunity for both fundraising and sampling quality beer.

“Micro brewing has a unique taste,” said Kosiba, “and, at the same time, we’re supporting a local business.”

Mayor Richard Wiaterowski said he was encouraged to see community members gathered to support literacy.

For music lovers, deejay Linda Simpson was on hand to provide a quiet background to an event which attendees said was a wonderful to spend a night out for a good cause.