PEABODY — Library patrons raised a glass to art, history, and wildlife last week at the third annual “Birds and Bubbly” fundraiser, held at the Peabody Institute Library’s Main Branch.
The May event drew more than 100 attendees and spotlighted 40 hand-selected Audubon bird prints from the library’s historic collection, which dates back to 1871. This year’s theme focused on “Backyard Birds,” following past showcases of general avian species and birds of prey.
“We’ve had better turnout and more sponsorship each year,” said Morgan Yeo, director of the library. “It really helps us support programming and continue the preservation of this incredible print collection.”
The full set includes 432 original prints, donated by Eliza Sutton in 1871 and stored in the library’s secured Sutton Room. As of this year, more than 300 have been professionally conserved, thanks in part to ongoing work by Studio TKM Associates. Deborah LaCamera, senior conservator and partner at the firm, was present during the event to answer questions about the restoration process. The studio has partnered with the library for over 20 years.
Each Birds and Bubbly print on display was paired with a sponsorship tier — ranging from the $100 Hummingbird level to the $1,000 Black-Capped Chickadee level — with funds supporting both general library programming and the print preservation initiative.
Mass Audubon’s Drumlin Farm Wildlife Sanctuary returned this year with three live bird ambassadors: a screech owl, a red-winged blackbird, and a robin — each permanently injured and no longer able to survive in the wild. The live demo remains a favorite element of the event.
“The birds tie everything together,” Yeo said. “People come for the art, stay for the birds, and leave with a deeper appreciation for the collection and what we do here.”
Library staff say the Sutton Room, where the full print collection is housed, may soon have regular public viewing hours. The room, typically restricted to staff-led visits, also holds historic city documents and rare books. It was named in memory of Eben Dale Sutton, the son of Eliza Sutton, who donated $20,000 in 1869 to establish the space following his untimely death at age 14. In addition to the Audubon prints, the room preserves valuable archival material dating back to the 17th century.
For more information about the Audubon prints or to schedule a future visit to the Sutton Room, visit peabodylibrary.org/localhistory.
