FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 30, 2023
Martin Library to Host Fifth Annual Cultural Jam September 13
Annual Celebration Aims to Build Unity in the Community
YORK, PA – Martin Library will host the Fifth Annual Welcoming Week Cultural Jam from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13. The free community event is a joint initiative of Martin Library Teens and the YMCA of the Roses to celebrate 2023 Welcoming Week, September 8–17.
This year’s Cultural Jam features a variety of local performers and artists who will share their cultures through music, song, dance, art, poetry, and DJing. They include artist and percussionist Jose A. Lopez from King’s Courtyard Artists’ Collective; poet, singer, and educator Aretha Brown; music by Youssef and Sons (of Neama’s Egyptian Food); traditional dancing by Filiberto Muñoz; and poetry, art, and music presented by area teens. In addition, Miss Pennsylvania’s Teen 2023 Lizzie Shacklett will have a special appearance. She will perform Irish step dancing and share information about her foundation, Literacy is Lit: Finding and Filling the Literacy Gap.
Many performances will occur in the library’s Quiet Reading Room, and a drum circle will be held in the Children’s area. Additional activities will be held on the second floor in the new Teens’ space. They will include DJ demonstrations by YCL Teens BeatWay Studio students, art displays, and an artist space where attendees can help paint a collective community art piece. Comic Store West will also be on hand to teach community members how to play board games like Ticket to Ride, Sushi Go, Zombie Dice, and more.
Local restaurants will provide light refreshments to showcase the diverse cuisine of the York community. According to Martin Library Teen Services Manager Joan Wright, the goal of the annual Cultural Jam is to build unity among community members by providing this fun opportunity to learn about each other’s cultures. Anyone who has questions about the event should contact Wright at 717-849-6933.
Martin Library is located at 159 East Market Street in York, PA. Serving the community since 1935, Martin Library is one of York County’s oldest libraries and is a branch of York County Libraries. It is recognized as a PA Forward Gold Star library for its outstanding provision of programs and resources to community members. Martin Library also holds the distinguished honor of being the first library to receive the Library of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.
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MEDIA CONTACTS
Deb Sullivan
Community Relations Director
York County Libraries
[email protected]
Mina Edmondson
Director
Martin Library
[email protected]