Plant sale kicks off 100th anniversary for Blue Ridge Summit Free Library

The Blue Ridge Summit Free Library, at 13767 Monterey Lane, is set to celebrate its 100th anniversary this year with a handful of events that engage and strengthen the bond with the community.

“We’re very proud of the 100th, it’s something we’re looking forward to celebrating as we build in the next century," said Paul Pinkerton, Blue Ridge Summit Free Library president. "I’m my time here, we have had a tremendous amount of community support and we have expanded the outreach over the past years and are always looking for volunteers willing to helping us.”

First on the list is the second annual plant sale on the plaza on Saturday, May 7 from 9 a.m. to noon.

“The sale, which is a fundraiser for the library, features a large assortment of annuals, perennials, native plants, hanging baskets, vegetable plants, herbs, and houseplants,” said library board member, Barb O’Bryen.

In advance of the sale, plant donations of all kinds are wanted. The library can provide pots for those willing to pot up their donated plants.

“Or, people can bring their bare root plant donations to us, and we will pot them up,” O’Bryen said. “We are calling them "You dig ‘em, we pot ‘em" events, and they will be on Sat., April 23, 10 a.m.-noon and Sat., April 30, noon–2 p.m. at the library. All plant varieties are welcome.”

To commemorate the centennial, the Nicodemus Center for Ceramic Studies in Waynesboro created unique hand-crafted ceramic plant pots, which will be offered for sale. Sweet treats and doughnuts from Krystal’s Cakes and Confections will also be available for purchase.

Read more:Renovations in downtown Waynesboro at 21 E. Main St.

Those in attendance can get advice from Pennsylvania Master Gardeners’ plant experts and members of the Blue Ridge Garden Club, who will be on hand to answer gardening questions about any plants purchased at the sale and how to care for them.

Continuing the 100th anniversary celebration in July is the 37th annual book sale and ice cream social. 

“We will have local live music, fire truck rides and vendors," Pinkerton said."There will also be plenty food; it's an all day event and well attended by the community.”

Other events include outdoor movie nights in summer and fall, a 100th birthday party community celebration on Sept. 24, and the Yuletide at the library on Dec. 10. "This year we have been deeply involved with planning for the celebration and look forward to all of the events," Pinkerton added. 

For more information about the plant sale and the 100th anniversary events email brsmtnboard@gmail.com.