Book Sale To Benefit New Orleans Public Libraries
On May 20th, our Friends of the Hyde Park Free Library group will be running a very special book sale. The proceeds of this sale will benefit libraries affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Many people may have heard that the libraries in the affected area needed actual book donations, and in fact, the main library in that city has been inundated with donated materials. But the truth is that they do not even have adequate storage for books and other physical items forwarded to them. Some branches are not even expected to re-open for another four to five years.
What the New Orleans libraries really need is funds. We are hopeful that our special book sale will raise some money--and a lot of awareness--about the tough situation in the Big Easy.
Siobhan Quinn and Michael Bowers To Appear
Our last entry in our spring '06 "Living Room Concert" Series will take place on May 13 at 8:00 PM. Singer-songwriters Siobhan Quinn and Michael Bowers, former Upstaters who now reside in the Washington D.C. area, will be our guests on that evening. Ms Quinn is an accomplished and versatile singer and composer. She has sung traditional Irish, English and American folk, art songs & medieval madrigals in five languages, as well as rock & roll for years.
She belts and soothes her way through explosive performances, combining a strong blend of contemporary & traditional folk and acoustic rhythm & blues. Her inaugural recording "Two Rivers," released in 1999 with then full-time music partner Ben Murray, received rave reviews from fans and critics alike. She has also done a number of teaching residencies for school children aged 6 to 13 years, combining traditional music, folklore, history, geography, theatrical character development and storytelling.
You can check out her music online by linking on to www.siobhanquinn.com.
For those aspiring towards a career in the arts, Siobhan and Michael will be offering a workshop earlier that same day (1:00 PM to 4:00 PM) entitled "Being Creative While Making A Life." They focus on "artistic, creative and business self-assessment leading to the development of artistic/creative goals, creation of a brief business plan statement, financial strategizing, program plan (for presenting artists), marketing & publicity statements. Will include examples of creative 'sparking' exercises, community building, and an example of an excellent 10-minute vocal warm-up for musicians. While these particular artists are musicians, this workshop translates to ALL mediums and genres."
General admission for the concert is $10.00. Admission for students with valid ID and seniors over 65 is $6.00.
For those attending the workshop, the fee is $45.00, which includes admission to the evening show as well.
Germania Singers To Perform
Also on May 13, the Germania Singers will perform here at the Hyde Park Library Annex in the afternoon. (This promises to be one tuneful weekend). The program will feature German folk, classical and popular songs. This is a group that is near and dear to my heart (and, yes, I am a member) and we promise to sing with as much gusto as you'd find in any Bierstuebe. The program will take place at 2:00 PM in the Library Annex.
Louis Landon Returns to HPFL
We have had two prior concerts featuring local jazz and New Age artist, Louis Landon and they have been extremely successful. Louis is a versatile composer, as well as a talented interpreter of the American Songbook. And he has achieved quite a fan base in our community. We suggest reserving a spot. Admission will be $7.00, with all proceeds going to the artist.
To reserve a spot for either this concert or for the above-mentioned concert with Quinn and Bowers, please call the library at 229-7791.
And June will bring a number of equally special events. We are planning a free concert once again with guitarist Peter Fletcher on June 4th at 2:00 PM--and a cabaret night on June 2nd (also free) with local talent. We'll have more information in future columns.
Senior Art Exhibit
Our current art exhibit featuring the works of a number of artists affiliated with the Senior Association has been garnering much attention. This has been our first group showing and it has been quite a success. There are a wide variety of styles and media, but the quality of the work has been especially impressive. And inspiring too. Many of these artists did not even begin to work until after their retirement.
The exhibit is generally available for viewing when the library is open.
Library Auction - Mark Your Calendars
On Saturday, August 12 at 7:00, the library will be holding an onsite auction, featuring art works, antiques and collectibles. We are currently seeking out donations for items appropriate for this auction. Donations of items in any of the above categories can be brought to the library before July 1. We will then display a representative sample of the artworks and antiques donated for the next month.
Those considering a donation of a work of art, antique or collectible should contact the library at 229-7791. Donors will receive verification of their contribution for tax purposes.
Summer Reading Program/ Summer Festival
Keep your eye on future columns for more information about our Summer Reading Program for children of all ages--and for our 3rd annual Summer Festival. We're planning on a busy, busy summer this year with activities for young and old alike.
For more information on library events and other library news, check out the library website at www.hydeparklibrary.org.
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