Community Library event will show off locals and locales
By DANA DUGAN
On Tuesday, Aug. 6, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., The Community Library will welcome visitors as they stroll through its new and improved main facility, then down the street to The Gold Mine thrift shop, and across town to its museum in Forest Service Park. Known as LitWalk, the event annually hails Ketchum’s literary history, and the library in general.
“We’re really celebrating these great new spaces,” said Carter Hedberg, director of philanthropy for The Community Library. “It’s an open house for where we are, at this moment.”
Participants can begin at the library, where the new entrance is graced with the “Ulysses Cylinders,” by glass master Dale Chihuly, with drawings by Seaver Leslie, adapted to glass. The exhibit of these Cylinders was arranged by Leslie Chihuly, and were first displayed in Dublin, Ireland.
“Dale and Leslie have a long history with the community,” Hedberg said. “This was her idea a few years ago.”
The Cylinders depict scenes from James Joyce’s “Ulysses,” which informs this year’s LitWalk. For instance, in front of the library there will be actors in 1904 Dublin costumes while guests may read portions of Joyce’s masterpiece.
Simultaneously, on a new deck with a gorgeous view of Bald Mountain, known as Hemingway’s Veranda, there will be a soapbox open to all comers. Actress Jana Arnold will manage the emcee duties. Participants may choose a subject of their own making or draw a subject from a box.
“People can rant and rave within family parameters,” Hedberg said, laughing.
Meanwhile, in the Lecture Hall, reading from their favorite books will be a mix of Valley-based folks, including musician R.L. Rowsey, Mariel Hemingway, Ketchum Mayor Neil Bradshaw, and authors Judith Freeman, Nick Neely, Sarah Sentilles, Julie Weston and Ridley Pearson. As well, athlete-author Rebecca Rusch will read, as will artist Carol Glenn, her husband actor Scott Glenn, and tennis star Mats Wilander.
Docents will engage with the public in a tour of the new library space. Sun Valley Resort is donating food, which will be served in the library. There will be raffles for such items as a ski pass; a dinner at Michel’s Christiania at the Hemingway table; a stay in the Hemingway Suite at the Sun Valley Lodge; a visit to the Hemingway House, which is owned by the library; and a round of shooting at the Sun Valley Gun Club.
In the Betty Olsen Reading Room, which will house the Regional History Department, participants of all ages may add to a “My Own Favorite Idaho” art mural on the floor. In another conference room there, adults can try their hand at coloring.
On the library green along Fourth Street, kids’ activities will include bubble blowing, free snacks and Toni’s Ice Cream.
Taqueria Al Pastor will sell full tacos for just $1 in front of Gold Mine Consign. And at The Gold Mine thrift store (both of which support The Community Library), the acoustic trio Dewey, Pickette & Howe will play outside. The band is featured on the CD “Keeping It Home,” which features all Idaho musicians, released last year. The CD will be for sale, with the proceeds supporting The Community Library. Warfield Distillery & Brewery will sell thirsty strollers wine and beer at both locations.
From there, it’s onward to Forest Service Park, where the Sun Valley Museum of History is located. The museum, also operated by The Community Library, has a “Hemingway: At Home In Idaho” exhibition, along with other intriguing pieces from the area’s past. Inside, people may jump into a photo booth to have their picture snapped with Ernest “Papa” Hemingway.
The museum will remain open until 8:30 p.m. while the weekly free concert, Ketch’em Alive, takes place, featuring, for this show, the music of Lukewarm of Lost River Disco.
For more information about the LitWalk event, or The Community Library’s many offerings, visit comlib.org.