ALBANY — The Albertson Memorial Library Board and its staff are preparing for our 13th annual Fall Silent Auction. This has been a challenging year for everyone.

The library has had to change its service structure, offering more online services, individual materials selection for patrons who cannot enter the building, as well as adding measures for cleaning for the health and safety of staff and patrons.

In the last year, the library has upgraded to offer patrons and staff computers and the library database has been moved to a cloud server to offer more security. The printer/copier/fax machine has been updated and offers secure printing from home or a mobile device.

Since in-person meetings are happening less often, the library will need support to help maintain the computers, software, wireless availability, secure printing, copying and faxing, as well as digital e-books and audio books. The goal this year is to raise $3,500.

Consider donating toward the auction by contributing an individual item(s), gift certificate(s), or a themed basket for patrons to bid on. Cash donations are welcome. Items will be displayed online at https://www.32auctions.com/AlbertsonMemorialLibrary from Monday, Nov. 2 until Saturday, Nov. 14, when bidding will close at 1 p.m.

Consider contributing by Oct. 1. Items may be mailed to or dropped off at Albertson Memorial Library, 200 N. Water St., Albany. Donations can also be picked up, and can be scheduled by calling the library at 608-862-3491 or email albertsonlibrary@gmail.com to ask questions or request a pick-up.