May 2018: The Blackstone Memorial Library is offering a rare opportunity to name a prominent area of the newly renovated building in honor of someone or something that has personal meaning for you.

The Upper Rotunda Gallery currently features bulletin boards with artwork and displays for Branford's youngest residents. The Gallery wraps around the murals designed and painted by Oliver Dennett Grover in 1896.　 In 1996, the 100-year old murals were given a much-needed restoration. The Upper Rotunda Gallery affords the clearest and most stunning view of these murals in their richly ornamented and gilded frames. When the library renovation is complete, the Gallery will be available for a rotating exhibit featuring works by local artists.

Naming opportunities are usually available only to those individuals or organizations that can afford a very substantial donation. The naming opportunity for the Upper Rotunda Gallery is listed, among others in the renovated library, for a donation of $25,000. Now for only $20, every Branford resident may purchase a chance to win the rights to name this area of the library. There are many possibilities for the lucky winner to honor a person (or persons) or memorialize an event or organization. The only caveats are that the naming must be approved by the Library Board of Trustees, and it will be in effect for the next 20 years.

Raffle tickets are available in person at the library, and on the Blackstone Library website at www.blackstonelibrary.org. Volunteers will also be selling tickets at events held on the Town Green this summer. The drawing will take place at the library on Friday, February 1, 2019 at 6 p.m. The winner will be notified if not present.