Elvis Fundraiser Raises Thousands for Library's New Roof

When your library's roof is failing and you need $300,000 to fix it, sometimes you need to think like The King.

Kirkland Lake's Teck Centennial Library just wrapped up their second annual Elvis-themed fundraiser, and this year's event was so popular they had to move it to the Royal Canadian Legion. The celebration raised money to repair the library's damaged roof while bringing together neighbors for an afternoon of music, nostalgia, and community spirit.

The real magic happened when two local high school students, Oliver Danchuck and Micah Fontana, took the stage for Elvis tributes. During Micah's performance of "Let Me Be Your Teddy Bear," volunteers handed out stuffed bears to delighted audience members. The creative touches kept coming when "letters from Elvis" were distributed during "Return to Sender," each one paired with a laminated copy of Elvis Presley's actual childhood library card from online archives.

"It was an unforgettable moment of connection between Elvis' love for books and our mission to support the library," said Jordan Ayres, the library's program and communications coordinator. One superfan even drove all the way from St. Catharines, over 600 miles away, to join the celebration.

The Ripple Effect

The fundraiser couldn't come at a better time. A section of the library's Adult Department remains closed due to water damage from the old, flat roof. Without repairs, children lose access to literacy programs, students lose their quiet study space, and newcomers to town lose a vital connection point.

Seniors who work on community puzzles and teens who use crafting materials face losing a cherished gathering spot. The library serves as more than just a place for books in this northern Ontario town. It's where young minds discover reading, where students find refuge, and where people of all ages connect.

The event split proceeds between the Legion and the library, bringing both community institutions closer to their goals. With temporary patches only holding for so long, organizers remain hopeful that continued community support will help them reach that $300,000 target and keep this vital space safe and accessible for everyone.

For a small town rallying around their library, Elvis really has left the building with something special.