Participants at the recent stonecarving workshop crafted stepping stones for the library's Love and Forgiveness garden--then made necklaces and bookmarks from the scraps to take home to enjoy and use.

Over 100 people enjoyed the music of world-renowned trumpeter Vince DiMartino at the third "Rhythm and Books" Jazz Music Series at the Laurel County Public Library. DiMartino was accompanied by Raleigh Dailey on keyboards and Miles Osland on saxophone. The concert series is co-sponsored by Friends of the Laurel County Public Library and National City Bank.

Educator Elise Mandel facilitated this fun and fast-paced workshop! Participants enjoyed working on a varied assortment of brain games and quizzes that help to stimulate the mind and keep the brain active.

Jay Flippin & Gordon Towell Jazz Duo
The second installment of the Jazz Series was not a disappointment as pianist Jay Flippin and Gordon Towell entertained approximately 50 attendees with a smooth jazz sound!

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
Participants enjoyed a wild, rollicking adventure from the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company players! This event was full of laughter as the actors pulled off this Shakespearian classic with great skill and flair!

The 2009 Quilt Show was a great all day event! There were 48 quilts entered and 160 votes. The winner of the show was a “Dear Jane” quilt made by Paula Philpot. Participants voted for their favorite quilts, watched demonstrations by the Mountain Laurel Quilters and the Silver Threads Quilt Club, and listened to a lecture by Karen Witt on Kentucky quilts.

Playwright Trish Ayers made this workshop fun and inspiring. With helpful techniques and idea-spurring games, Ms. Ayers sent participants home with the tools needed to write plays. The workshop proved to be very popular with the aspiring writers, and some came as far away as Louisville, Kentucky and New York State to participate!

OSLANDAILEY Duo
Miles Osland and Raleigh Dailey delighted 60+ listeners with an array of jazz. From standards to original compositions, the music was phenomenal and everyone enjoyed the evening. The library looks forward to having Osland and Dailey back with Vince DiMartino on Saturday, April 11th at 6:30pm!

Players from the Lexington Children’s Theatre performed in this delightful play covering Abraham Lincoln’s life—from his early boyhood years, through his law career, and finally into the presidency, actors portrayed key people in Lincoln’s life to recount his incredible journey. The play was attended by approximately 70 people.

East Bernstadt resident Lisa Sutton showed attendees how to card, spin, and make roving. Participants were able to try their hand at spinning, and all found it to be a very interesting hobby!

Dr. Gina Herring from the University of the Cumberlands led the group in an interesting discussion of Sense and Sensibility. The group discussed a bit about the life of Jane Austen, moving into a discussion of the book, the era, and the theme of love and forgiveness and its application in the story. The next discussion will take place on Tuesday, March 24th and will feature The History of Love by Nicole Krauss.

We hosted, with the help of London resident Judy Krahenbuhl, a celebration of the Lincoln Bicentennial.

Local historian David Owens read the names of the men who served in the two Laurel County regiments during the Civil War and answered questions about some of them. The library was filled with Camp Wildcat Civil War re-enactors who posed for photographs with participants and made a fine addition to the celebration.

The highlight of the event was the presentation of Robert Coffey who portrayed Abraham Lincoln. Mr. Coffey’s re-enactment of Abraham Lincoln, which included details about his family and education and led into the Gettysburg Address, was both moving and informative. Participants had their photos taken with Mr. Coffey, who was dressed in period attire and stood a full 6 foot 4 inches tall, as President Lincoln himself did.

Participants at the recent digital photography workshop had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about their cameras. Maybe some will even enter the library’s amateur photography class coming up in May!

At our Jane-uary tea, over 30 people enjoyed learning the proper etiquette of taking tea, how to brew the perfect cup, and the health benefits of drinking tea. The program was presented by English native and current Laurel County resident Jill Creech.