BLUE RIDGE SUMMIT- The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library will hold its 100th Anniversary Birthday Party from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 24, on the library grounds. Admission is free and all are welcome.
“The day’s activities include a story time session, live entertainment for kids, presentations by local dignitaries, a tour of the Church of Transfiguration (the library’s first location) with organ recital, historical displays—and of course a big birthday cake to be shared by all,” said Paul Pinkerton, president of the library’s board.
Featured entertainer, Mark DeRose, is an artist, songwriter and musician. He performed for years as a sideman in the children’s music market, and has performed as a solo artist in children’s entertainment since 2015. DeRose sets out with the goal of offering a show with a very positive and “feel good” experience, he said. DeRose encourages young listeners to enjoy life, be creative, and confidently be themselves.
DeRose’s music has rhythms of rock, blues, and Americana, and lyrics that are accessible for children. He plays guitar, gets kids dancing and involved with percussion and a variety of props like shakers. He works regularly with the Pennsylvania Library Summer Reading System and in the general children’s music/entertainment arena.
Throughout the anniversary celebration, attendees can follow the timeline of the library’s story with historical displays and hand-outs. The library will be open during the event.
The schedule of activities is as follows:
10:15–10:45 a.m.: Story Time with Franklin Co. Book Buggy staff (for kids of all ages). The Book Buggy (mobile library) will be open until 2 p.m.
11 a.m.–Noon: Mark DeRose—featured children’s entertainer
12 p.m.: Commemorative Presentations with Franklin County Commissioners and Washington Township Supervisors.
Join in the “birthday song” and cake cutting.
1 p.m.: Church of Transfiguration Tour and Organ Recital
“The organ recital is of special interest to history buffs,” Pinkerton said. “The recital will be performed on a historic pipe organ that was built in 1898 by Adam Stein Organ Works of Baltimore, Md.”
To commemorate the centennial, ceramic mugs in a variety of glaze colors and featuring a library design will be offered for sale. The mugs were created by local potter Corey Shultz of Gettysburg. Limited edition T-shirts for sale feature a special 100th anniversary logo. Sweatshirts are also for sale.
