The Gloucester County Library System’s Mullica Hill branch will host a Celtic harp performance on Thursday’s St. Patty’s Day at 6 p.m.
With an ample history and graceful sound, Celtic harpist Stephanie Sussmeir will play Gaelic music for the holiday. She has been a harpist for more than 20 years, after studying music at Rutgers-Camden and Thomas Edison State University.
“Ms. Sussmeier has performed at GCLS libraries in the past, and we welcome her back after pandemic restrictions,” said Carolyn S. Oldt, director of the library system. “This is a family friendly community event.”
Sussmeir also has personal experience with libraries; she is a reference librarian at Ocean City Free Public Library and as a special collections and archives librarian at Rider University’s Westminster Choir College.
The Celtic harp, with a history more than 1,000 years old, offers a calming sound and a rich cultural element. Oldt reflected on the library’s efforts to offer culturally significant events for residents.
“The library strives to provide cultural heritage programs throughout the year,” she said. “We hope everyone will enjoy this little taste of Irish culture.”
Another upcoming event is N.J. Makers Day at the Mullica Hill branch, starting on Friday, March 25, at 10 a.m., and continuing through Sunday. The event for all ages is meant to showcase and highlight STEM and maker culture, and enhancement of lifelong learning.
The library system also offers various clubs, including groups for chess, knitting and crocheting, book clubs for different age groups, a genealogy club and other programs. More information on how to register can be found on the website.
The labor and literacy lab also opened this week at the Mullica Hill branch to offer more resources and opportunities for library goers.
“We will be offering computer classes and one-on-one appointments to assist people with email, Excel, Word, social media, job searching, resume writing and so much more,” Oldt said.
The library is located at 389 Wolfert Station Road in Mullica Hill. For more information on the harp event, call (856) 223-6000 or visit gcls.org. To learn more about upcoming library events, visit the website and view the library system’s calendar.
