On May 14th Presentarts will be doing a fundraiser for the Louise A. Read Memorial Library in Hancock. There will be two performers doing “I AM War” with John Montgomery and “Pagliacci” with Tony Villecco from Judith Present’s play “Time and Space.” Tickets are $10 and reservations a must because of limited seating. Please call the library at 607-637-2519.
As most of you know, the Library currently offers many things to Hancock residents: a writer’s group, a book club, a knitting group, a chess group, a puzzle group, public access computers and many wonderful things for pre-school and young people. Because of these activities the possibility for enlarging the library has become a focus for the town.
In the 35 years since the last update, what the community demands of its library has enlarged beyond basic book collections, computers and Wi-Fi. Demand for varied and innovative programs continues to increase. Unfortunately, the library has no dedicated program space. Programs take place openly in the main library which is not optimal for the programs or for other library visitors. It also limits the number of participants and the types of programs the library can offer. The library is in the planning process of adding a multipurpose room and completing a redesign of the current space that will allow for additional and more varied program offerings such as yoga, cooking classes, STEM activities and much more. The library would also like to increase access to our local history archives through digital displays and the addition of an elevator to the 2nd floor museum. Also being considered are tutoring rooms, telecommuting rooms and other high tech facilities such as video production and podcasting.
In “I Am War” War tells you all about himself and where he will be assigned next. And in “Pagliacci” a young understudy finally gets his chance to sing. Actor John Montgomery has done many performances on the Hancock Opera House stage as well as the Phelps’s Mansion and the Cider Mill Playhouse. Singer Tony Villecco has recently been seen on PBS WSKG “Expressions” from a performance recorded at St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Binghamton. So please join us for an evening of drama and song as we bring in money for the expansion of our library.