BY NIKKI BURKHAMER
Examiner Contributor
Music was recently heard among the stacks at the Knowlton Library, 220 N. Main St., Bellefontaine, when a local dulcimer enthusiast, teacher, and strummer was caught playing a beautiful instrument that has strong ties to the Appalachian people.
Leanna George, a talented musician, has the wherewithal to play and teach many instruments, but she has a special love for the dulcimer, instruments with string and the piano.
She has taught those of many ages over the years, but she is dedicated to passing the playing of the dulcimer and other folk instruments to the younger generations. So, with open-hearted resolve, Leanna, along with the Mad River Valley Dulcimer Society, have donated many music books to the Logan County Libraries.
“Folk music is such a big part of our American history of music,” Leanna proudly stated. “We need to get kids interested in music, and then we can encourage them to come to our music programs that will be offered at the Knowlton Library.”
Holly Hollman, the newly posted children’s librarian at the Knowlton Library, is thrilled to have the beautiful musical books in her collection. The Mad River Dulcimer Society chose the books and Carol Burton, the adult services coordinator at LCL, purchased them with their donated funds.
“I can see the value in children being able to connect with whatever their passion is. In this case, these music books could spark a love between music and reading,” Hollman said with a pleased smile.
One student who has a love for music is Rebekah Heizer, a daughter of Jonathan and Melissa Heizer. She started playing the piano as a kindergartner, and then she went to the dulcimer.
She enjoys the donated books and thinks that other young people should come to the library to check them out.
“I started playing the dulcimer this year,” Rebekah said. “I love playing the dulcimer for other people, and I love playing Christmas music most,” she beamed.
Rebekah will be showcasing her talents at the Logan County History Center at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, during the Christmas at the History Center event.
In times past, Leanna assisted with a homeschool group called ‘Homestrings.’
“Well, Beth Davie and Rachel Moreland were very helpful, as homeschool moms, to help me facilitate the group,” Leanna recalled. “But, kids grow, and I am getting older. The mantle needs to be passed.”
A cooperative agreement to buy music books for the children and adults in our community was born from the concern to pass this dying art on to future generations. The plan is for the Mad River Valley Dulcimer Society to make a yearly contribution of books, live performances and offerings of music classes for the patrons of the Logan County Libraries.
Thursday, Dec. 5, the group performed inside the library, offering as a serene time for patrons to stop in to look for books and enjoy the talents of dulcimer players from the community.
The group will also be sharing their music with second through sixth-graders at 6 p.m. March 20, in a program that will allow these young people to explore instruments such as the dulcimer, instrumental bells, mandolin, and harp.
Call LCL’s Knowlton Library at (937) 599-4189 for more information and to ask about the required registration for this class.
Beverly Arlequeeuw, Logan County Libraries director, is excited about the donations of books and music provided by the Mad River Valley Dulcimer Society.
“The library is the perfect setting to showcase live music and partner with local organizations to perform, teach and inspire community members.
“These live music events at the library allow artists to connect with audience members, providing insight into the musical process and answering questions. Taking time to explain the history of an instrument or the inspiration behind a favorite song creates an exceptional experience.
“So, the next time you visit the library; don’t be surprised if you hear music floating through the stacks.”