Painting and Piano: Night of creativity kicks off Plum library reading program

Visitors to Plum Borough Community Library will notice new artwork on display, thanks to the talents of some patrons.

To kick off the summer reading program, which has the seasonally appropriate theme Oceans of Possibilities, the library hosted Painting and Piano on the Patio, during which participants completed a variety of colorful maritime scenes and denizens of the deep.

“When they come back at the end of the summer, we can give them their pictures to take home,” Pam Bishop-Fauls, the library’s adult program coordinator, said.

Her husband, Tom Fauls, provided easy-listening music on his electric keyboard to complement the creativity of the artistically minded guests at the May 24 event. Among them were Linda Wilkins and daughter Chelsea, who were happy to have an opportunity to take part.

“First of all, anything we can do to support the library,” Linda said. “And second, it’s been a beautiful evening with great music. It’s a good combination.”

Chelsea echoed the desire to be supportive.

“I’ve been coming here since I was a kid, and I love to do something that gives back to them in some way,” she said. “And I like doing some art that they can showcase.”

Registration for the summer program, open to readers of all ages, is taking place May 31 through June 4 by stopping in at the library.

Also on the library’s calendar are events including a concert by Plum musician Dan Styslinger at 6:30 p.m. June 9. The show will take place in the parking lot, and those who attend are encouraged to bring blankets or chairs on which to sit while they listen.

“He was a hit the last time we had him here,” Bishop-Fauls said about Styslinger, a multi-instrumentalist who writes his own music and released an album called “Greetings From Holiday Park,” the title serving as a nod to the Plum neighborhood in which he grew up while also paying tribute to Bruce Springsteen’s debut recording.

In collaboration with the Plum Community Center, the library plans a Summer Solstice celebration for June 21, the day of the year with the most sunlight.

Information about more programs and the library in general is available at plumlibrary.org.