The Friends of the Coronado Public Library will host its first Member Meet & Greet on Sept. 19 at 640 Orange Ave. The free evening mixes Ghanaian art, spoken word and family activities across multiple library rooms from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
The event is open to all ages, according to the Coronado Times. Community members who are not yet Friends members are invited to join and attend.
Carl Luna, president of the Friends of the Coronado Public Library, said the event gives members a firsthand look at what their support funds. "Every membership, donation, and Friends Bookstore purchase helps us support the programs, collections, events, and resources that serve readers and learners of all ages," Luna said.
The evening will guide guests through different areas of the library, each with something to experience.
In the Spreckels Reading Room, longtime Coronado resident Prince Kofi Sefa-Boakye will curate an exhibition of work by Ghanaian artist Paul Adjei. Sefa-Boakye owns Prince's Art Gallery and focuses on connecting Western collectors with authentic African-made art.
Adjei, originally from Kumasi, Ghana, studied at the Ghanatta College of Art and Design. He works in acrylic, mixed media and three-dimensional painting.
Guests can view and purchase his pieces during the evening. One donated work will be sold with 100% of proceeds going to a library-selected cause.
San Diego-based spoken word artist Eric Pinder will also perform. Pinder grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina, where a seventh-grade classroom assignment sparked his interest in poetry. His path brought him from Miami to San Diego, where he draws on his personal journey, faith and music to create work centered on connection and hope.
The Children's Library will transform into a Family Corner featuring pizza, a balloon artist, temporary tattoos and activities for younger guests. Light refreshments will be available throughout the building.
RSVPs are due Saturday, Sept. 12.
The library's Autumn Concert Series is underway, with concerts at 1 p.m. Fridays through Oct. 23 in the Winn Room, according to the Island Itinerary.
