Theatrically masked and elegantly gowned guests fit the ambiance of the record-breaking Garden Gala 2026: Phantom of the Library on April 25 to benefit Northland Public Library.
More than $57,000 was raised during the event at the library in McCandless, with a crowd of 360 attending this year, according to Alexis McKinley, director of the Northland Public Library Foundation.
“Occurring on the last day of National Library Week, the 2026 Garden Gala was a tremendous success both from a financial and a community engagement perspective. It was a pleasure to bring together so many of our corporate sponsors, elected officials and library donors in the beautifully renovated New Northland for the first time,” said McKinley, referencing the library’s updated space.
This year’s event surpasses the gala’s last record year in 2024, when it raised $51,000 and attracted 330 guests.
“One attendee even raved that the event was ‘the Met Gala of McCandless,’ ” said McKinley of McCandless.
Library staff and volunteers staged the venue to look like the famed “Phantom of the Opera,” using almost every open space of the first and second floors for gala-related attractions.
Guests could select samples from dozens of food and beverage vendors, participate in a 50-50 raffle and vie for a large assortment of baskets in the silent auction. Attendees also could make a red floral bouquet to take home.
Entertainment was provided by cellist Kevin Carlins of McCandless and violinist Anna Kohler of Franklin Park, who played together. Local keyboardist Tom Kosmala also performed for guests.
Minji Kim of Philadelphia, who was in town for work, heard about the gala after someone recommended it. As a big fan of “Phantom of the Opera,” she was enjoying the library’s transformation into the classic novel and Broadway theater staple.
“I’m so impressed by how creative the decorations are. (They) did such an amazing job of transforming it with so much creativity and love,” Kim said.
Dates already are set for two library fundraisers, including Murder at the Speakeasy, for guests 21 and older in September.
The annual Children’s Gala, with the theme Rainforest Adventure, will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 19. Tickets will go on sale July 15.
For details, visit northlandlibrary.org.