Not Wonderland but ‘Libraryland’ awaits contestants in public library’s annual fundraiser

This year’s Benicia Public Library Trivia Bee will send contestants and observers down a rabbit hole along with the fictional character Alice — but this time the destination is Libraryland instead of Wonderland.

The library’s signature fundraiser is organized each year with the help of Soroptimist and Rotary clubs of Benicia.

The contest resembles the game show “Jeopardy,” but with teams as competitors instead of individual players, and no one has to remember to phrase the response as a question, said Helaine Bowles, the library’s volunteer coordinator.

Those teams, made up of representatives of area companies and community organizations, will compete for the title of Benicia’s “Top Toads.”

Toads have been the long-time emblem of the Trivia Bee, which is entering its 24th year.

Each year, artist Del Lacy illustrates the theme using a toad as the central character.

One year the toad hoisted a black flag and peered through a spyglass as a “Pirate of the Carquinez.” Last year it took on a Sam Spade look for the bee’s “Maltese Falcon” theme.

This year the character has become a striped, mysteriously smiling “Cheshire Toad.”

The bee is divided into three rounds of questions on a variety of topics, Bowles said. Some will relate to the theme, but others will center on entertainment, culture, sports, history, geography, literature, science, technology and “wild card,” anything-goes subjects.

Creative team monikers are encouraged. Some teams will use the bee as a chance to promote their business or organization’s name. Bowles said in the past some participants have been known as the Amazons, the Mysterians and the Molting Falcon.

Themed costumes for contestants and audience members also are encouraged; in fact, the bee awards prizes for the best costume.

The event usually is a sellout, attracting an enthusiastic crowd of 300, Bowles said.

Part of the bee’s appeal is its urging the audience to heckle as well as cheer, she said, so long as they don’t help a favored team by slipping them answers.

It’s also a chance to acquire items through the silent auction and trivia bee drawings.

This year, a Kindle Fire HD, microwave oven, kitchen basket and paintings are among the merchandise and gifts donated by Benicia businesses that will be sold in the bee’s silent auction or won through the drawings.

Those attending can patronize a no-host bar, and dinner will be served.

If the event itself is an evening of rollicking fun, its purpose is serious.

The trivia bee helps the library provide such opportunities as Adult Literacy Services (ALS), English as a Second Language (ESL) programs and programs for adults, teenagers and children.

ALS, started in 1987, teaches adults to read, using specific free learner-centered approaches such as small groups, one-to-one tutoring, computer laboratory classes, workshops for learners and tutors, learner book clubs and family programming, tailored to each learner while addressing the needs of the individual’s family.

The Benicia Public Library Trivia Bee is at the Clock Tower, 1189 Washington St., at 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28.

Tickets, which must be purchased in advance since none will be sold at the door, are $30 per person and can be purchased at Benicia Public Library, 150 East L St., or Bookshop Benicia, 636 First St.

Those interested may call the library at 707-746-4358.