by Cassie Romero and Catherine Vasko
Collaborative Summer Library Program (CSLP) collaborates with libraries across the United States to “create inclusive literacy-based programs that are enjoyable for all ages.” If you are a library patron and frequent your local library in the summertime, you may be familiar with SummerQuest: a high-quality summer reading program for children, teens, and adults produced via CSLP, which took place June 1through August 10.
With this summer’s theme being “Color Our World,” Adams County Library System focused on promoting the arts through library programming for all ages. Chances are, if you visited one of our six branches, you saw the colorful, artistic displays promoting the theme via “a journey of art and creativity, celebrating the myriad ways in which art enriches our lives. Our program is designed to inspire and engage readers of all ages through a diverse array of artistic expressions,” reads the CSLP website regarding the theme.
According to a 2024 think piece from Library Systems and Services, “Modern libraries are finding new ways to communicate and inspire their communities with unique visual perspectives, where individual interpretation and ideation are encouraged.” From offering interactive murals, exhibiting works of art by local artists, and offering live music programs on a rotating basis, libraries are redefining methods to seek out the arts. “Art in civic spaces showcases the beauty and uniqueness of everyday life and locality, so why not seek out public art in public libraries?” writes Library Systems and Services. “More than just buildings filled with books, libraries are rife with expressions that emphasize the importance of the arts. Public art in public libraries highlights the creativity and imagination that make a community unique.”
As a continuing method of unique visual perspectives and supporting the arts, the library system is hosting esteemed author Mary Kay Zuravleff at the Lodges at Gettysburg on September 4th at 6:00PM. Zuravleff is the recipient of multiple artist fellowships from the DC Commission on the Arts, the American Academy of Arts’ Rosenthal Award, and the James Jones First Novel Award. Her storied background continues with short stories and essays being published in venues like The Daily Beast, The Atlantic, and Los Angeles Review of Books. Zurvaleff’s newest book, American Ending, takes readers on a journey with a Russian Orthodox family as they build their life in a Pennsylvania Appalachian town in the early twentieth century.
Author talks offer a fun way for readers and newcomers to share insight and engage in lively discussions with fellow bibliophiles. Known for her sharp wit, empathy, and dazzling prose, the author talk with Zuravleff is sure to entertain and enlighten those who join. Those interested and looking for more information can head to adamslirary.org/Mary-Kay to see ticket options and a timeline of the event. Proceeds from the ticket sale will benefit the library system.
Though summer is winding down and our reading program has ended, that doesn’t mean we will stop the celebration of the arts. Each Adams County Library System branch will continue to promote the arts and take patrons of all ages on artistic journeys through author talks, paint nights, sewing groups, jam sessions, and movie nights this fall. For specific dates and registration for upcoming fall programs, check out our website at adamslibrary.org/events/week.
Cassie Romero is Teen Services Specialist, and Catherine Vasko is the Branch Manager of Jean Barnett Trone Memorial Library of East Berlin, for the Adams County Library System.