By Susan Fisher, PR Supervisor at MPL—
MUNCIE, IN—While free programs are always on the calendar at Muncie Public Library (MPL) and offer a wide variety of learning and enrichment activities for all ages, this February at MPL offers an especially stellar lineup of programs that range from live jazz, free chili, the celebration of local African American women, and even an exploration of the “Hillbilly Highway.”
—Enjoy a Night of Jazz on Thursday, February 15 from 5-7 p.m. at Maring-Hunt Library at 2005 S. High Street. This adult program will include a brief presentation about the African American origins of jazz, followed by a live performance by Tom Foolery & the Laughing Stocks, an Indianapolis-based jazz band. Free refreshments, including nonalcoholic mocktails, will be served.
—All ages can dig into a free cup of chili at the Stone Soup Kitchen event on Saturday, February 17 from 2-4 p.m. at Maring-Hunt Library. Staff and volunteers from the Soup Kitchen of Muncie will be on hand to serve homemade chili. Program activities will include story times, crafts, and more based on the traditional tale of stone soup. The Soup Kitchen is marking its 30th anniversary in 2024, and this event will include a celebration of that milestone. MPL is also conducting nonperishable food drives at all branches throughout February to benefit the Soup Kitchen of Muncie.
—Do you love hearing stories about local people who have made a difference in our community? Then don’t miss, “Hidden Figures: Celebrating Notable African American Women of Delaware County.” This adult program will take place on Thursday, February 22 at 6:30 p.m. at Connection Corner, 1824 E. Centennial Avenue. Local historians and community advocates including Dr. Terry Witt Bailey, Melissa Gentry, Sara McKinley, and Karen Vincent will share stories, historic photos, maps, and more. Program sponsors are BSU University Libraries, Delaware County Historical Society, Notable Women of Muncie & Delaware County, Minnetrista Museum & Gardens, and MPL.
—Has your family lived in Muncie for generations and can you trace your family roots to Jamestown, Tennessee or another southern community? MPL will collaborate with the Center for Middletown Studies and the Ross Community Center to host an adult program, “Author Talk with Max Fraser,” on Friday, February 23 at 5:30 p.m. at Maring-Hunt Library. Fraser is the author of “Hillbilly Highway: The Transappalachian Migration and the Making of a White Working Class.” He will discuss the movement of southern whites to the industrial Midwest. Unfortunately, books will not be for sale at the event, but can be purchased at Princeton University Press. https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691191119/hillbilly-highway
All programs are free and a library card is never required to attend any program or event at MPL. For additional information, visit the library website at: www.munciepubliclibrary.org
Max Fraser, author of “Hillbilly Highway.” Photo illustration by Spenser Querry, Webmaster & Social Media Specialist at MPL.
