In an effort to raise needed funds to cover yearly operating costs, the Ivortyon Library Association will host a night of trivia, music, fun, drinks, food and friends on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 15, at 7 p.m. at the Centerbrook Meeting House, 51 Main Street, Centerbrook.

“In the past we have held this fundraiser once a year, but it has gained so much popularity [the March event sold out], we now hold the event twice a year,” said Elizabeth Alvord, the director of the Ivoryton Library.

She explained that the Ivoryton Library, as well as the Essex Library, are both privately owned libraries and as such they both must, on their own, come up with the majority of the funds needed for operating costs each year. (The town does supplement a small portion of both libraries operating funds.)

“Each year we try and raise at least $25,000 throughout our fundraising events,” said Alvord. “This trivia event usually raises between $2,000 and $3,000 each time we hold it.”

However, this time around, the event will be just a tad bit different; in an effort to garner more funds, the association has brainstormed and come up with the addition of a tea cup raffle, which will be held in conjunction with the trivia night.

“We are limited by space constraints, as to how much we can raise through this event,” explained Alvord, who is a usual attendee of the night of fun. “We always have a great time. There is always a lot of cheering, along with music, food, and drinks. It’s just a good time all the way around.”

Alvord is able to participate because the library brings in some pros to conduct the contest.

“A company called ‘What Trivia’ out of Colchester, Connecticut will be running the event, which will include several different teams of up to eight people each. The teams have the length of a song to give the correct answer to trivia questions. Teams have a choice to wager points, or save them and there is a final question portion of the night that determines the winners.”

The Library Association will also be holding the annual 5k road race fundraiser in conjunction with the Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20.

“We (the Library Association) try to come up with different activities, throughout the year, that will appeal to different people so the same people aren’t always having to write the checks,” Alvord said.

Tickets for the trivia event are $25 per person and are available at the Ivoryton Library or by calling 860-767-1252. Tickets the night of the event are $30.