Bright Lights Book Project Invites Community to Support Literacy Through Upcoming Events
Contributed by Kaitlyn Klippert
The Mat-Su Orchestra will host a benefit concert on behalf of the Bright Lights Book Project Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 p.m. at the Glenn Massay Theater in Palmer. This free community event will benefit the organization’s core purpose, which is to continue to make books and literacy resources accessible to readers of all ages.
The afternoon event will bring together community members who share a commitment to supporting BLBP’s continuing educational work locally and statewide. Organizers encourage residents to attend the concert, bring friends and family, and enjoy the performance.
Since its inception in 2019, the Bright Lights Book Project has placed free books into the hands of children, families, and adults throughout the Mat-Su Valley. By providing accessible reading opportunities and encouraging book ownership, the organization, along with other nonprofits and Fireside Books, is making Palmer a more literate community.
Local artist Lynsey Johnson drew up the event poster. The invite reads “All Aboard the Concert Caboose.” BLBP Executive Director Alys Culhane likens the BLBP to being like a caboose, the train car in which the conductor and brakemen watch out for the rest of the train. The analogy is that the BLBP makes sure salvaged books get into the hands of appreciative readers.
Raffle prizes will include two round-trip tickets from Anchorage to Fairbanks on the Alaska Railroad. Matanuska Woodworks has also donated a handmade chest. In addition, Turkey Red Restaurant is providing gift certificates in the form of dinner for two. In keeping with the train theme, additional raffle prizes will include children’s train books, one of which is an autographed copy of Brooke Hartman’s The Alaska Train.
The event will conclude the organization’s membership drive. The kickoff event took place on Friday, March 13 at Bleeding Heart Brewery in Palmer. Here attendees learned more about the organization’s programs. Bleeding Heart Brewery supported the effort by donating proceeds from the previous week’s beer sales of a beer aptly named Bright Lights, Big Heart.
Local businesses are also invited to participate through event sponsorships. Sponsors of any amount will be recognized in the concert program, and contributions of $500 or more will also receive recognition on the theater’s big screen prior to the performance.
The Bright Lights Book Project is grateful for the support it has received from community partners, including Door Tech, Court Accounting, North Star Animal Hospital, Erik Christensen State Farm Insurance, as well as ongoing supporters the Mat-Su Health Foundation, the Rasmuson Foundation, Saltchuk, the Palmer Community Foundation, and Bishop’s Attic II.
For more info about events, sponsorships, or volunteer opportunities, visit brightlightsbookproject.org, call 907-745-4747, or email director@brightlightsbookproject.org.