Tickets on sale August 15, 2025

Raise a Glass for Literacy

A Community Fundraiser for Monterey County Free Libraries

Make an Early Impact. Enjoy VIP Access.
Choose a Donor or Sponsor package to support literacy and unlock exclusive event perks.

Raise A Glass For Literacy

Event Tickets Include

  • 2 Wine Tickets

  • Light Bites, Dessert, and Coffee

  • Meet our Keynote Speaker: Rachelle Escamilla

  • Library Tour of Carmel Valley Library

  • Meet Local Authors sharing their work and book signing at our Garden Story Telling Stations

  • Exclusive and Unique Auction

Raise a glass and wander through a garden of Storyteller Stations, where local authors—each with a deep love for libraries—bring their books to life through conversation, signing, and connection.

VIP Donor Benefits

As a VIP Donor, you’ll receive early event access, unlimited drink tickets, premium seating, and a special welcome package—including signed books and a branded tote. You'll also enjoy exclusive invites to library tours, impact updates, and priority registration for author talks and special events throughout the year.

Sponsor VIP Benefits

Sponsors enjoy premium recognition and exclusive perks, including early event access, VIP seating for your guests, unlimited drink tickets, and a custom welcome package with signed books and branded gifts. You'll also receive year-round visibility, invitations to special library events, and the opportunity to showcase your support for literacy across all 17 branches and 13 bookmobiles.

Keynote Speaker

Rachelle Escamilla

Monterey County Poet Laureate

Rachelle Escamilla is a Chicana poet from the Central Coast of California. She is the author of three books of poetry: Imaginary Animal (Willow Books, 2015 & 2021), Me Drawing a Picture of Me[n] (Willow Books, 2019) and Space Junk from the Heavenly Palace (Nomadic Press/Black Lawrence Press 2023). Escamilla is the founder of a number of organizations and international literary programs including: The Poets and Writers Coalition and Legacy of Poetry Day at San José State University; The English-language Center for Creative Writing at Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou, China; and the Latinx Poetix Symposium at California State University Monterey Bay.

A Garden Full of Storytellers

This fall, we're transforming a quiet garden into a vibrant gathering place where stories come to life. Picture winding paths, a sparkling pond, and tucked beneath the trees—local authors at intimate storytelling stations, ready to share their words, sign books, and spark conversations. From poetry to memoir, fiction to lived experience, these storytellers are more than writers—they're advocates for literacy, champions of libraries, and members of our own community. Join us in this unique celebration where literature blossoms in every corner and every connection helps grow the future of our libraries.

Our Curated List of Local Authors is Growing

Check back in August for a full list of authors - Early ticket holders will be the first to know, so get your tickets as soon as they go on sale