BANGOR – Caring Connections, a cooperative women’s health program of the YWCA Bangor-Brewer and Eastern Maine Medical Center, will hold a silent auction to benefit “Bridging Books.”

Many items will be up for bid, including antiques, an original painting, sculpture, and items made by local artisans.

Examples include a hand-crocheted, ecru-colored afghan in the pineapple pattern that is more than 50 years old.

Also included are an antique doll cradle and an original statue of a draped female figure by California artist Robert L. Myers.

Bidding began Tuesday, and will end at noon Friday, Dec. 21.

Pictures of the items for auction will be available on the YWCA Web site, www.ywcabb.org, by Monday, Dec. 10.

Pictures and descriptions of each item also are posted in the YWCA lobby.

The items themselves may be viewed during business hours in the Caring Connections offices on the second floor of the Isaac Farrar Mansion at the YWCA.

People may bid online or stop by the YWCA at 17 Second St. in Bangor. For information, call Caring Connections at 941-2808 or e-mail whi@ywcabb.org.

“Bridging Books” is a project that provides books and other resources to women newly diagnosed with breast cancer. The program receives funding from the Maine Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.

Caring Connections also sponsors the ENCOREplus breast cancer support groups, along with programs that assist underserved women to get mammograms and other health screenings.