By Jason Wesseldyk
Sports Editor
Come with me and you’ll see a world of pure imagination.
Those are among the words in the song “Pure Imagination” sung by Gene Wilder during his portrayal of Willie Wonka as he describes his fantastical chocolate factory.
And now through Saturday, Jan. 21, the Otsego District Library invites you to experience some of that pure imagination for yourself.
The library’s large program room has been transformed into the town and many factory scenes from the 1964Roald Dahl classic novel “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” as part of the annual winter literacy fundraising event.
The fundraiser kicked off on Tuesday, Dec. 27, and is available during regular library hours. Those hours are: Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The library asks patrons for a free-will donation to play, with all proceeds going toward new children’s materials.
“We are excited to bring more life-size fun to our community, this year in the form of ‘Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,’” Otsego District Library director Andrea Estelle said. “It is so much fun to bring a whole world of interactive art to life each winter for our community to enjoy.”
The “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” activity is a dice-rolling game that invites players to journey through the famed factory. Along the way, players will search for Golden Tickets and open larger-than-life Wonka Bars to see if they get to move forward or have to move backwards extra spaces.
“We also have a small Wonka gift shop, from which proceeds will go towards the new children’s materials as well,” Estelle said.
“Charlie an the Chocolate Factory” is just the latest in the library’s series of themed events as part of its winter literacy fundraiser.
Last’s year’s theme was Where’s Waldo, with other themes including: The Wizard of Oz (Dec. 2019 through Jan. 2020); Alice in Wonderland (Dec. 2018 through Jan. 2019); Jumanji (Dec. 2017 through Jan. 2018); and Candy Land (Dec. 2016 through Jan. 2017).
The event that would have run from Dec. 2020 to Jan. 2021 was cancelled due to COVID.
Estelle was quick to point out that this event would not be possible without the donations and support from community members and area businesses.
“We really want to note that we are so appreciative to the local businesses in our community that support our efforts to create this fun family event each winter,” she said. “This year, we had 25 amazing sponsors.”
This year’s sponsors were: Winkel Funeral Home; Plainwell Ice Cream Co.; Autowest of Plainwell; Millassist Services; Cornell & Associates; Timothy K Hutchins CPA; Endless Destinations, LLC; LYNX Golf Course; Harding’s Market; McEwen Law Office; ODL Friends of the Library; Safari Circuits; Nulty Insurance; Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society; B & C Trophy; Friendship Wesleyan Church; American Legion Post 84 Otsego, Michigan; Cool 101 – Kalamazoo’s True Oldies Station; 92.5 WZUU – Your Hometown Music Authority; Allegan County Community Foundation; The Home Depot; Otsego Rotary Club; Tom and Diana Gilmer; Servant Heart Helpers; Sculptureworks; and First Congregational Church of Otsego.
For more information about the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” event and other activities hosted by the Otsego District Library, visit its website at otsegolibrary.org or its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/OtsegoDistrictLibrary.