Kings Theatre is finding a creative way to fundraise for their local library.

They’re hosting a showing of Shrek, with a live donkey in attendance.

“The community is very excited and it doesn’t hurt that we’re having a live donkey on site,” said Kings Theatre Executive Director Janet Larkman.

They’re also encouraging community members to dress up as their favourite Shrek character, fairy tale character or historical person.

According to Larkman the theatre has a history of hosting creative fundraising events. Last year, they hosted a Jaws movie fundraiser for the community pool that raised more than $2,000.

At that event the house manager made a gigantic shark and used it to do a pre-show musical performance.

“That was like, absolutely priceless,” said Larkman. “We had people chucking beach balls all over the auditorium before the movie started. It was just a super fun community event.”

This time around, they’re fundraising for the library in Annapolis Royal.

Earlier this year, the Annapolis Valley library board voted to use more than half of its reserve funds to keep five branches operating through the summer.

Last month, Heated Rivalry author and Nova Scotian Rachel Reid donated $300,000, one of the largest private gifts in the library’s history to help fund those same libraries in Annapolis Valley.

“The libraries have been under tremendous financial pressure, as most people are aware,” said Larkman. “We value our library incredibly here in the community. It’s an absolute hub on every level.

Larkman went on to say that the province’s current funding is “unsustainable”, and that she’s hoping to make a statement about how important the library is to the community.

She also said they want to send a message to the provincial government that they need to match the community’s energy and enthusiasm when it comes to supporting local libraries.

“We’re stepping up here on every level, and we need to see that coming back from the provincial governments side of things,” said Larkman.

Mary Armstrong is a local farmer, and the owner of the donkey that will be attending the fundraiser. Larkman says the donkey is “particularly well behaved”, and that attendees will be able to pet the donkey.

“Who says the donkey will only be outside and out front,” said Larkman. “You will have to come out to find out just where the donkey is.”

Source: YourTriCounties.ca