BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT – It could have been the plot for a novel.
A 14-year-old Greencastle girl pictured sorting through books at The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library annual Ice Cream Social and Book Sale in 2014 returns to the site years later to become the library manager.
Moriah Story was featured with her younger sister, Lydia, in a local newspaper article 12 years ago when they attended the social, according to Melodie Anderson-Smith, a member of the library board of directors. “The article promoted the event of course, but it’s so cool that Moriah is now a professional librarian and manager of our library,” she added. The girls were looking for their favorite genre, futuristic. Story said she still likes to read sci-fi, while Lydia prefers thrillers.
The 50th annual event is set for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18, on the library grounds at 13676 Monterey Lane. “It’s the primary fundraiser for the library. Proceeds support improvements to maintain and keep safe this historic building, built in 1891,” Anderson-Smith said.
Story, of Blue Ridge Summit, has been library manager since 2022. She earned a degree in communications from Wilson College and a master’s degree in library science from PennWest University (formerly Clarion University of Pennsylvania).
“I’ve worked for the Franklin County Library System since 2017,” said Story, a graduate of Greencastle-Antrim High School (G-AHS)l. “When I was a teenager I thought, ‘what job can I have where I am around books all day, every day?’ My dad encouraged me to become a volunteer at the library.” Story, daughter of Mark and Jill Story, said she walked from G-AHS down the street to the Lilian S. Besore Memorial Library, where she started as a volunteer and paige at age 16, and later worked as a library assistant.
“I fell in love with the job. It’s a lot more than just books. I fell in love with the people part. Working at a public library you get to do something different every day. No day is the same,” Story said.
Housed in a former train station, the Blue Ridge Summit Library also is unique for its location near Washington County, Maryland. “We get folks from all over, because of that … Cascade and Sabillasville, as well as Blue Ridge Summit and Waynesboro … you name it. Sometimes people pass through and think it’s cool and pop in for a little bit and some have said they’ve lived here 30 years and never been in,” Story noted.
“This is a historic building. We get a lot of train lovers in here. We have oodles of train memorabilia and photos and a great local history collection. Blue Ridge Summit is a pivotal intersection for local history,” she added.
The social is special to Story “because of the feeling of community and how many people show up and get so excited for this event. Everybody loves our library and it’s just so evident on that day. There is something for everybody – music all day, thousands of books, entertainment, food and ice cream. And we will have over 70 themed baskets on the porch that will be raffled off.”
Story encouraged guests attending the social to “come in and check out the library and sign up for a library card. This is a ‘charming little library.’ That’s how people describe it. We may look small, but we pack a punch.”
Event highlights
More than 5,000 books will be offered for sale, including selections for adults, teens and children on a wide range of topics.
“Of course, this is an ice cream social, and again this year our ice cream is provided by Sarah’s Creamery, featuring the famous Penn State Creamery ice cream,” said Paul Pinkerton, library board president. “A portion of their sales will be donated to the library.”
Early risers can join in the free Whistle 5K Fun Run/Dog Walk. Registration is on site at Summit Plaza from 7:30 to 7:55 a.m. This is a timed event, but there are no entry fees, and no prizes will be awarded. The race starts at 8 a.m.
The Wayne Band will open the event, playing from 9 to 10 a.m. TimCo Magic/Tim Cantner magician performs for families at 10:30 a.m. Local singer/songwriter Rich Fehle will provide music at intervals throughout the event.
Activities for kids will include fire truck rides from the Fountaindale and Blue Ridge Summit fire companies, and face painting by Making Faces with artist Sarah Berkey from noon to 2 p.m.
A variety of food will be offered for sale, including hot dogs, steamers, nachos and baked goods as well as beverages. At noon a large anniversary cake will be cut and served free (as long as it lasts).
Additionally, library anniversary design T-shirts in new colors will be available for purchase along with regular design T-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies and jackets at discounts. There also will be special 50th anniversary stickers, magnets and other merchandise.
Vendors and exhibitors include: Antietam Watershed Association, Blue Ridge Garden Club, Buttonwood Nature Center, Fort Ritchie Community Center, Friends of Happel’s Meadow, Monterey Pass Battlefield Park & Museum, and Waynesboro Area Appalachian Trail Community.
Fundraisers include a silent auction, featuring the filled baskets, with winners announced at the close of the event. A white elephant sale will feature a number of “barely used” items.
In addition, the Summit Stitchers will sell raffle tickets for a handcrafted quilt. The quilt will be displayed during the event, and raffle proceeds will benefit the library. The winning ticket will be drawn at the library’s Yuletide Celebration Saturday, Dec.12.
Event sponsors are: Ritchie Revival, Owl’s Club, Franklin County Visitors Bureau, Linda Barkdoll Real Estate, Bena Services Inc., McLaughlin’s Energy Services, Blubaugh’s Tire and Wheel, Edward Jones Investments (Douglas and Lori Smith), Edward Jones Investments (Marissa and Bob Correll), Varner Roofing, Mainline Hobby Supply, Market 57, Mountain Gate, RedHot Trailer Repair and Highfield Auctions
Parking is available in the plaza lot across from the library and in other adjacent lots.
For more information, email: [email protected]
