Noon Concert Series continues in 2026 on WPL's 1888 Piano

If I were asked what my favorite parts of the Washington Public Library are, I know without a doubt that our piano and Noon Concert Series would be right at the top of that list. Music has always been one of the most important parts of my life. I truly can’t imagine a world without music. It brings me great joy to work in a library that celebrates the arts and actually owns one of the most beautiful grand pianos I have ever had the opportunity to play.

These concerts and our piano are special parts of our library because one person had a dream of having a piano in our previous location. Susan See had a vision of what is now reality.

Here is an excerpt from an email Susan sent a few years ago describing how the piano idea came about.

“When we lived in Washington, and years before the new library was built, I approached Patrick Finney, the head librarian at the time, with the crazy idea of putting a piano on the second floor and having free concerts.

Instead of rolling his eyes or laughing at the idea, he told me that a new library might be in the works and to hold on to that "piano idea." When the right time came, I got permission from the board to see who might be interested in paying for a grand piano. Within twenty-four hours, we had the money we needed. Jean Potratz generously offered to pay for the piano, and Margaret Wolf paid for the duet bench and the cost of having two handcrafted music stands designed and made. What a thrill!”

Thankfully, Susan See had an idea and acted on it. The piano and the concerts have become a staple in our library and community.

As we continue our tradition of the Noon Concert Series, this year we have decided to change the schedule. Our concerts will now be the first Thursday of each month at noon. Make sure you are on the lookout for bonus concerts that may occur at other times of the year. We are hoping this new schedule will allow those with conflicts with our previous schedule to attend and also give performers new opportunities to share their talent.

The trio “My Romance” will perform at our next concert on Thursday, February 5th. Make sure you come and enjoy some great music and the opportunity to hear our piano in action. Invite others you know, as it is sure to be a perfect way to start out our 2026 Noon Concert Series.