Plum library encourages summer reading with concert, other activities

Summer is a time for relaxing by the pool, traveling and spending time outdoors. Pamela Fauls hopes Plum residents add another activity to their to-do list — visiting the library.

Plum Borough Community Library is hosting a summer reading kickoff on June 7 from 6 to 7:45 p.m. Local musicians John Vento, Cherylann Hawk and Kevin McCarthy will perform acoustic tunes starting at 6:30. The library will give out free Italian Ice and have a craft table for kids.

“Every year we try to inspire kids and adults to come to the library and obviously, read books,” Fauls, the library’s programming coordinator, said. “We have a ton of programs through summer that some people are aware of. Some people aren’t, so this is a way that we kick off the season.”

Fauls encouraged people of all ages to attend the concert, and suggested bringing a lawn chair.

Vento, who is best known as the front man for the rock group The Nied’s Hotel Band, said he heard about the event from Fauls’ husband and thought it was “a great opportunity to perform and meet new people.”

He said the trio plan to play acoustic Americana music. He said they’ll also mix in a lot of original music, including from his new album “Brick By Brick.”

“I think our acoustic music is really the right kind of performance for that kind of a venue,” he said.

Fauls said the library’s summer programming is centered around the themes of unity and kindness. People can register for events at plumlibrary.org.

Highlights include:

• Cards for Kids Craft Day, June 13 from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and 2:30 to 4 p.m. The library’s scrapbooking group will help participants create cards to deliver to children in the hospital.

• Wonders of Wildlife with Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, June 15 from 11 to 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 to 1 p.m. The zoo’s “Zoomobile” will host a workshop for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

• No-Bake Cookie Making, July 15 from 1 to 2 p.m. and 2 to 3 p.m. As the name suggests, participants will make cookies that don’t require baking.