The Boston Athenaeum invites the Boston community to its Community Day open
house on Saturday, September 30, welcoming all residents, visitors, families, and friends across
the city to explore the landmark building’s five galleried floors and enjoy performances, art
activities, and displays of special collections from 10 am to 4 pm. The event is free and open to
everyone.

This open house event at the renowned library, museum, and cultural center will include
activities for guests spread throughout the building, including a bookmaking workshop by book
artist and printmaker Annie Silverman; a demonstration by the Athenaeum’s conservation team
on the creation of paste-paper, which is used in both book arts and conservation; special
collections show and tell by its curators; musical performances by local artists Joe Sabourin,
Grooversity, and Anibal Cruz; a treasure hunt and hawk-sighting tour; and much more.

“We are a member-supported organization that anyone can join,” said Leah Rosovsky, the
Athenaeum’s Director. “We invite everyone to explore and experience the books, exhibits and
programming that make the Athenaeum such a unique place.”

There will be the chance to meet renowned Roxbury artist, book illustrator, and educator Ekua Holmes, known for her mixed-media collage art investigating family histories, childhood, and the power of self-determination. The Children’s Library’s visual centerpiece is a vibrant streetscape mural by Holmes and the original collages created for the mural will also be on display.

Visitors will also see the recent expansion and renovation enhanced the classic beauty of the
building but also added space for more programs and events, more varied art, more places for
reading and research, and more opportunities for connection.