Martin Library to Host Block Party June 9

Martin Library’s 2024 Block Party and SummerQuest Kickoff will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, June 9. It will be held outside the library on Queen Street, between Market Street and E.ClarkeAve. The free event will feature a variety of family-friendly activities and the opportunity to register for SummerQuest. 

“There is something about a block party that beckons community members of all ages to gather for a day of fun,” says Martin Library Director Mina Edmonson. “This will be our third annual block party. The first two were enthusiastically received, and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone to the library. This year, children will have the opportunity to try bucket drumming, create wearable buttons, and play some of their favorite games, supersized!”

During the event, community members are invited to sign up for free library cards. Children and teens, from birth to 18, can register for the “Adventure Begins at Your Library” SummerQuest and Get Outdoors (GO) Yorkprogram. And adults will have the opportunity to learn more about the new summer program “Library Adventure” that’s designed for community members aged 19 and above. 

Music enthusiasts can also catch a screening of the Les Paul Story during the block party. The film highlights Paul's contributions to the music industry. A grant from the Les Paul Foundation supports the YCL TeensBeatWay Studio located at Martin Library.

According to Edmondson, free box lunches will be provided to children while supplies last. For attendeesinterested in purchasing something to eat, food trucks will be set up on Market Street.

“Martin Library invites the community to come inside to enjoy its services year-round. Whereas the block party offers a wonderful opportunity for library staff to stretch what they offer past the library’s walls,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “Observationally, it is hard to figure out who is having more funduring the block party, community members or our staff. It may be a tie, as smiles and laughter are abundantamong all.”

Thanks to the support of The Maple Press Company as the Presenting Sponsor, the festivities are free to attend.Martin Library is located at 159 E. Market Street in York. There is on-street parking near the library, and metered spots are free on Sundays. Anyone with questions about the block party should call the library at 717-846-5300.

Serving the community since 1935, Martin Library is one of York County’s oldest libraries and is a branch of York County Libraries. It is recognized as a PA Forward Gold Star library for its outstanding provision of programs and resources to community members.  Martin Library also holds the distinguished honor of being the first library to receive the Library of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.