MIFFLINTOWN — A stroll through the Juniata County Library shows how important the arts are to the Mifflintown institution. The walls and halls are filled with paintings, literature and other works by local artists.
Now the Juniata County Library, 498 Jefferson St., in partnership with the Pennsylvania Council of the Arts and with sponsorship from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, is offering free educational programs in folk and traditional arts in August and September.
The first event is scheduled for Friday, August 23rd at 7 p.m. and will feature Erica Shellenberger and the band 61/49, who will present a free performance of folk and blues music at the Mifflintown Playground bandshell in Myers Park next to the library.
“This will not be a traditional show or performance,” Said Vince Giordano, director of the Juniata County Library. “It will be very interactive as they discuss the different styles of folk and blues and then demonstrate them. There will also be a question and answer session.”
Participants are asked to bring a blanket or a lounge chair. The program is suitable for all ages. Registration is not required.
Two types of individual sessions with Giordano are available by appointment from Monday, August 26, through Friday, September 20. Participants can digitally save artwork or music they have created, preserving it for future generations.
Giordano will work personally with participants and utilize computer and online resources to store, catalog, and preserve the music or artwork.
“I am a big music fan,” Giordano explained. “I grew up in the 90s and 2000s when music was just coming online.”
It is important to him to help people preserve their original creations – both musical and artistic – for posterity. “I want to work with people to make digital copies and catalog them,” said Giordano. “And preserve it digitally too.”
With the available funds, the library was also able to purchase a listening station that offers users the opportunity to listen to music during their visit. “We can burn it onto a CD and they can listen to what they have learned through training at the listening station in the library with headphones,” added Giordano.
He also wants to help talented artists find online platforms where they can store and showcase their artwork.
This project is made possible in part by federal funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Office of Commonwealth Libraries.
For more information, call the library at 717.436.6378 or visit www.juniatalibrary.org.
