Carquinez Village will host a Wine & Lite Bites auction event at 144 East G St., an address best known as the home of the Benicia Public Library from 1956 to 1993. Pictured above is how it looked during that era. (Photo courtesy of Benicia Public Library)

After a successful launch in April, senior service organization Carquinez Village is ready to celebrate. They will do so by hosting a Wine & Lite Bites and auction Aug. 18 at the home on 144 East G St.

If that address seems familiar to longtime residents, it is because for many decades it was the home of the Benicia Public Library. The building was constructed in 1956 after resident Edna Clyne donated the garden next to her house for use as a public library building. Until the larger present location on East L Street was established, it was the place where young and old alike would check out books, look up references and partake in its many events.

After the new library opened in 1993, the previous location eventually was converted into private housing, where it was initially the home and studio of a local artist. Afterward, former City Councilmember Christina Strawbridge and her family lived at the home for many years, and it is currently owned by Alan and Alice Plutchok. The interior has changed with each new owner, but its symbol as Benicia’s former library has been well-established.

The Plutchoks were well aware of the building’s status as the former library when they purchased it three years ago. Alan, who also has served on the Carquinez Village board since it started, noted that when compared to other residences on the block, the home stood out as having the feel of a one-time commercial building.

Nonetheless, the Plutchoks believe the house is a great place to live especially being right next to downtown.

“It’s pretty marvelous to be in a stiuation where you can walk to Safeway, you can walk to exercise and to restaurants,” Alan said. “You can get a good westerly breeze.”

Lois Requist, Carquinez Village co-founder and co-chair, said the location for the event was chosen because like the former library spot, Carquinez Village had been through various life stages.

“The home is very interesting to see (and) beautifully redone, so it’s a draw,” she said. “I’ve seen people come in and remember when it was a library and they used it. It’s quite delightful.”

Since the Plutchoks took over ownership, the home has hosted past functions for Carquinez Village and will host the American Association of University Women for an event later in the year.

After two years of planning, Carquinez Village was launched in the spring with the goal of connecting seniors within the community. Through the service, seniors are able to to obtain referrals and information, take educational courses, interact socially with others and have easy access to plumbers, gardeners, handymen and more. Current members range from being in their 60s to their 90s. Some are still employed, but many others are retired and more women have memberships than men.

As the name implies, the Wine & Lite Bites event will feature light appetizers and glasses of vino as well as a live and silent auction, featuring such prizes as passes for a weekend on the Russian River, sunset sailing on the Carquinez Strait and a two-night stay overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Dillon Beach.

Additionally, Requist said many merchants– including Benicia Fitness, Christina S Fashion Destination, Studio 41 and the Solano Square Starbucks– are donating items. The funds will go toward continuing to support Carquinez Village and provide scholarships for those who need help with paying dues.

“We’d like to broaden our outreach to the community of seniors who might not know about us, but could use the services,” Requist said.

The event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 18 at 144 East G St. The cost is $10 for members and $25 for non-members. To make a reservation, call (707) 297-2472 or send a check to Faith in Action (for Carquinez Village) at Carquinez Village, PO Box 207, Benicia, CA 94510. To learn more about Carquinez Village and its services, go to carquinezvillage.org. There will also be an informational meeting from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 14 at the current Benicia Public Library at 150 East L St. For those interested in volunteering with Carquinez Village, call 297-2472.

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