Friends of the Public Library want to make their Chocolate Extravaganza a staple for Luverne valentines.

“We just try to keep making it better and better and more scrumptious each year,” said Regina Grayson, assistant director of Luverne Public Library.

The fundraiser will be Thursday, Feb. 12, in the library’s conference room from 6 to 8 p.m.

In addition to the bevy of sweets, this year’s extravaganza will include a few salty treats like chicken salad sandwiches and Mrs. June Taylor’s famous spiced and baked Chex Mix.

Grayson promises chocolate is still the star of the night. The menu includes a hot chocolate bar, chocolate pound cake, lava cake and Dr. Alethea Gammage’s chocolate-covered whiskey cherries.

“The best part of it, of course, is getting to eat all of the wonderful, homemade chocolate goodies. This is definitely one night that you don’t even think about a diet,” laughed Grayson.

Friends of the Library started the fundraiser because they were looking for a unique event people would enjoy attending.

All proceeds go toward any pressing needs of the library. The group bought an Apple computer for the children’s section, licensed software and a patron counter for the front door.

Grayson said she is eternally grateful for the counter, or “doorbell” as patrons refer to it.

“This purchase was a huge help to us,” she said. “We would literally have to count how many people came through the doors every single day –by hand– for two solid months a year. This was part of the library’s APLS end-of-the-year statistical report. Now, with the door counter, we have an accurate count of people who come into the library, and we record it each and every month.”

Grayson said the event makes for a great night out.

“It’s just a very nice evening event for everyone to get dressed up for and come out and enjoy right before Valentine’s Day,” she said. “You have delicious chocolates of all kinds, and you get to relax and fellowship with friends and maybe even some people you don’t get to see that often.”

Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased at the library or from any Friends member. For more information, please call the library at 335-5326.