Kent County Public Library is taking advantage of its roomy interior by displaying oversized works by artists such as Vincent van Gogh

Sarika Jagtiani

Featured Library: Kent County Public Library

Angela Hanshaw | January 11, 2011

The Kent County Public Library in Dover, Delaware, is starting off the new year with First Impressions, a series featuring the artwork of great masters and related programming. To kick off this month’s master, Vincent Van Gogh, the library has stretched a 17-by-7-foot, silk-screened version of Starry Night with a short bio about the Dutch artist over the library’s atrium entrance. Future months will focus on the Harlem Renaissance, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and Claude Monet.

The library launched a new discussion group to tie in with the series; the Arts and Letters group will discusses literature related to the various arts. Other programs include a preschool art series with Beccky Cooper from the Biggs Museum of American Art; a pencil and chalk drawing class series for adults; and a screening of Against the Odds: The Artists of the Harlem Renaissance, a 60-minute film “rich in archival footage, including newsreels and photographs, that recalls the influential force of the exhibitions, the vibrancy of Harlem and the many significant personalities that shaped the movement.” In addition, the library will have related lectures, including art historian Sandra Denney on Pablo Picasso; art historian and professor Georgianna Windley on Salvador Dali; and Eddy Seger on Claude Monet.

Other events at the library this month include the “If You Give a Cat a Cupcake” writing contest for children in grades K–3; a puppet show for ages five and older; a lecture on Walt Disney, “The Man Behind the Magic”; a live poetry night; and a full day celebrating Edgar Allan Poe, with lectures, readings, and games.

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Angela Hanshaw is Program Officer/Web Editor for the ALA Public Programs Office.

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