Library to host piano marathon

WASHINGTON — Those visiting the Washington Public Library on Dec. 28 can expect to hear pleasant music at virtually any time, thanks to a “piano marathon” planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Library Director Cary Ann Siegfried said staff hoped to keep someone playing the 1886 Steinway baby grand piano throughout the day.

“It doesn’t matter the skill level, we’ll take kids, we’ll take teenagers, we’ll take adults,” she said. “Anybody who wants to take their turn for 20 minutes to play the piano.”

Siegfried said it was a way to liven up the library during the week between Christmas and the new year.

“We (won’t) have a lot of people who need peace and quiet because they’re studying, or they’ve got a job interview coming up or anything like that,” she said. “And we don’t have a lot of programs going on in the meeting room where things need to be quiet, so we just decided this would be a great time to do it.”

For those interested, registration is possible through the library website, or by calling the building, although it’s closed until the Tuesday prior, Dec. 27. Siegfried said people could sign up for as many slots as they wanted.

Siegfried said she was looking forward to the event.

“It’s the holiday season and honestly, libraries are not a quiet place anymore,” she said. “We know that people, no matter where they’re sitting in the library, enjoy hearing music going on during the day. And it’s especially to take advantage of the fact that we have such a wonderful piano.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com