New Community Conversations Series Starts May 4 at Martin Library

Martin Library in York is launching a new Community Conversations series on Sunday, May 4. Motivational speaker Jennifer Foxworthy will moderate a panel discussion surrounding the topic “Do My Feelings Matter?” Teen Emotional and Social Well-being. The event runs from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the library’sQuiet Reading Room. Registration is not required to attend.

“This new Community Conversations series aims to create opportunities for community dialogue that builds knowledge, bridges understanding, and inspires collaborative action,” says York County Libraries President Robert F. Lambert. “We are looking forward to seeing the positive change that transpires through this initiative.” According to Lambert, the library plans to host two Community Conversations annually, in the spring and fall. The focus of the discussions will change. 

Foxworthy will use questions raised by area youth and audience members to facilitate discussion. The panel, which includes both teens and community members, will discuss expectations placed on teens and the effect on overall physical and emotional health. Presented in partnership with the City of York Human Relations Commission, the program will also explore the risk factors and stereotypes teens face in their homes, schoolsand community.  

Panelists include Family First Health Behavorial Health Associate Nigel Leslie, BHA; licensed psychotherapist and registered art therapist Karen Stabley, MCAT, ATR; and York County Department of Human Services Family Peer Support Specialist Lisa Kennedy; the student president of the Hannah Penn Health Stars, as well as students from the York County School of Technology and York Suburban High School.  

“Following the panel discussion, we will provide an opportunity for interested attendees to sign up for smaller group conversations,” says Martin Library Director Mina Edmondson. “The idea is to build upon the shared community conversation to collectively find or create solutions that address the key issues of concern.”

Complimenting this first Community Conversations program is a juried Teen Art Exhibit created through the support of the Cultural Alliance of York County and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. The May 4 event will open with an award ceremony for the winning artists of the Teen Art Exhibit and readings by two teenpoets. Students in York and Adams County were invited to enter their art for possible inclusion in the show.Exhibit jurors Kayode Malomo, Karen Stabley, and Anita Williams will select three winners, and community members can vote for their favorite during the opening reception on May 2. The exhibit is on display at the library through Friday, May 16 during regular operating hours. 

Martin Library, located at 159 E. Market Street in York, PA, has served the community since 1935. As a branch of York County Libraries, it is recognized as a PA Forward Gold Star library for its outstanding programs and resources. Martin Library was the first to receive the Library of the Year Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.