As libraries are often seen as the heart of a rural community, the Stuart Library Foundation keeps that image in mind with their seventh annual Sandy’s Sweetheart Dance.

The fundraiser takes place at 6 p.m. tonight at the Saints Center for Culture and the Arts, and the ticket proceeds go towards the Foundation’s support of the local public library, which Foundation Vice President Marvin Lancaster says they typically spend $1,000 monthly towards expenses like new books, equipment, and community programming. Lancaster is not a native to Stuart, so he says the library and its Foundation have helped him get to know Stuart residents as family, “As far as my wife and I, we’ve always been part of the community to be able to help wherever we see a need for it. And by joining this it really opened up my eyes a little bit to what most libraries are facing. You know, how do they keep things going, how are they able to keep changing what they’re offering to interest other people. We’re starting up a deal where people get to work with instant pots, so you know there’s always something different that you can do.”

The dance includes dinner catered by Los Altos Mexican Restaurant, as well as musical entertainment from a variety of local performers. Tickets are $30 per person or $200 for an eight person table and can be purchased at the door, the library, and at First State Bank.