Lycoming County’s library system is looking ahead to a new event in July — while also looking back on an initiative in May.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., will kick off its first-ever cowboy-themed fundraiser on Thursday, July 10, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Herman and Luther’s Barn in Montoursville.

Guests are encouraged to wear cowboy attire to the “Boots, Brews & BBQ” fundraising event.

Funds from this event will go toward creating a Technology Center in the Library. This new space will establish private spaces for telehealth appointments or medical services, video conferencing tools, privacy features, and comfortable seating to ensure confidentiality and efficiency.

“Public libraries, as community hubs that champion equitable access to information and services, are ideally positioned to meet the need for technology and reliable internet access,” said Amy C. Resh, CEO & Director at the Library. “This project will create a dedicated space to facilitate private telehealth visits, educational programs or services by medical professionals, and support groups for community members who lack access to such resources.”

The event will include live country music by Kopper and Kash, a brisket buffet dinner, and a 50-50 raffle.

This event is for adults only. Tickets must be purchased in advance by July 3 using the “donate” button on the library’s website or via the calendar entry at calendar.jvbrown.edu. If you can’t attend, but still want to donate to support the Technology Center, please visit the event page to give.

During the month of May, the six libraries of the Lycoming County Library System participated in Remake Learning Days, a program that focuses on inspiring education and creativity.

The libraries held a combined 39 programs for all ages. Hughesville Area Public Library learned more about police in the “A Day in the Life of a PA State Trooper” program. In “The Wonderful World of Weather,” Jersey Shore Public Library taught young learners more about weather conditions. At the James V. Brown Library, Penn State University visited with an “Insect Zoo” to educate about the importance of creatures such as beetles and bees.

Tweens expanded their technical knowledge at Dr. W.B. Konkle Memorial Library’s “Building Buddies” program. Montgomery Area Public Library learned more about mindfulness with a “DIY Zen Garden” activity. At the Muncy Public Library, a “STEAM Garden Club” was held. All libraries painted pottery with the Centered Earth.

Financial support from BLaST IU17 helped make some of the Remake Learning Days events possible.

Commissioner Scott L. Metzger visited Dr. W.B. Konkle Memorial Library in Montoursville on May 6 during the “Budding Builders Club” program, and Commissioner Mark Mussina visited Muncy Public Library for the “Rocket Science” program on May 9.

A program wrap-up video highlighting some of the engaging programs can be found at youtube.com/c/JamesVBrownLibrary or on the Lycoming County Library System Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/lclspa.

The James V. Brown Library is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. To place a hold, visit www.jvbrown.edu or call 570-326-0536 during the library’s operating hours. Walk-in passport services are available from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Friday, and 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

The James V. Brown Library, 19 E. Fourth St., Williamsport, Pa., is the place to go to learn, connect and grow. Founded in June 1907, the library champions the love of reading, opens new doors to lifelong learning, provides a haven to those who seek and ensures the preservation of public library services for future generations. A member of the Lycoming County Library System, the James V. Brown Library participates in PA Forward, a statewide initiative to promote literacies in our communities to power a better future for everyone.