Kennett Library is kicking off Spring 2024 in its new building. March, April, and May will be filled with programs and events centered around growth, imagination, and connecting with the community.

“Spring of 2024 marks the launch of many new partnerships and programs aimed to capitalize on our new library and some of what it has to offer,” said Chris Manna, Executive Director. “Many residents are discovering this new jewel in southern Chester County. As part of this discovery, we look forward to bringing excellent library programming to our community and bringing many new people to discover the wonders of the Kennett area.”

At a glance, the auditorium will feature two works by Pages Alive Theatre: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and a Student Shakespeare Festival. There will also be an election-year film festival and Monday Movie Nights (now hosted by The Friends of Kennett Library).

Environmental programs include the relaunch of the Free Seed Library, the continuation of Friends of Meadowitos lecture series, and a walk in the park identifying wildflowers. The well-loved and attended Toddler Nature Camp will occur in Anson B. Nixon Park from mid-April through mid-May.

Makerspace programs include coding with Swift Playgrounds on iPad, video production with iMovie, podcasting with GarageBand, iPhoneography, website building with Google Sites, 3D printing and laser-engraving activities, and many more.

Art exhibits in the gallery will include From Inspiration to Expression by The National League of Pen Women (Feb. 29-Apr. 3), World of Jazz by Al Moretti (Apr. 4-30), and a student art show in May. Other arts-related programs include Where Do Old Books Go (upcycling book pages) and fiber-arts groups like the Knit Knook and crocheting classes.

Live Better, the library’s health awareness initiative, brings an entire day (Mar. 4) dedicated to the Red Cross with a blood drive and information sessions on disaster preparedness. Live Better will also partner with the YMCA and Anson B. Nixon Park on April 20 for WalkFest, a day focused on the health benefits of walking for all ages and abilities.

Special events include a jazz festival on Apr. 27 with the Kennett Flash, a performance of Odysseus on Apr. 6, a celebration of the Dolly Parton Imagination Library on Apr. 24, and a Community Volunteer Fair on May 11.

The library is especially eager to host its first Starlight Soirée on May 3, celebrating the new library under the stars on the Melton Terrace. The soirée will feature a silent auction, local music, and delicious food (tickets will be available soon).

Lou Florence of Collection Development, said, “Are we excited for spring? Yes, we are! Like the burgeoning flowers, budding trees, romping lambs, fledgling birds, and giddy kids — spring is all about bursting at the seams with energy; that is how we feel here at the Kennett Library! We have many great things to offer, many great dreams to realize, and many wonderful connections to build with our communities.”

The Kennett Library strives to offer a little something for everyone, and this is just a brief overview of what’s to come this season. To learn more, please visit the library and pick up our programs and happenings magazine From The Desk of Alice.

Learn more about Kennett Library, a regional public library open to all and serving the Townships of Kennett, East Marlborough, Pennsbury, Pocopson, Newlin, New Garden, West Marlborough, and the Borough of Kennett Square. Kennet Library provides a place for the youngest to the oldest and everyone in between and serves people of all incomes, ages, and needs — for free. Kennett Library’s mission is to ignite the imagination, enrich lives, and create a community with a vision to be the catalyst for a community of lifelong learning and discovery.