Carmel Clay Public Library is So Much More Than Books

March 2019

Writer // Janelle Morrison

Photography // Courtesy of CCPL and Mark Bradley Miller Photography

Modern-day libraries are so much more than books, digital files and databases. They are also active community centers that offer an array of services, programs and events for people of all ages. The Carmel Clay Public Library (CCPL) is always looking for ways to connect the library to the Carmel community.

CCPL invites the public to attend two upcoming events in April: Marshall Watson at the Indiana Design Center (IDC) and Library After Dark.

The IDC and CCPL have collaborated on this author visit that is bringing New York-based interior designer Watson to Carmel to speak about his latest book, “The Art of Elegance: Classic Interiors,” on Thursday, April 11 at 6 p.m. at the IDC.

Internationally recognized, his projects have spanned the globe, from Cabo to Stockholm and across the United States. Winner of Traditional Home’s “Designer of the Year” award and featured on Luxe’s 2017 Gold List, Watson’s work has been featured in numerous publications, including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Veranda, Luxe, Cottages & Gardens and Traditional Home.

“The title of my book is ‘The Art of Elegance,’” Watson stated. “I speak to how elegance is a way of living life and not about being fancy or putting on airs. It is about living in a way that is more civilized, gracious, welcoming and inclusive. I speak to that as a hope that during these divisive times, you can make your home a more cohesive environment and a place of respite. My book also runs through a variety of projects that I have done in my career.”

When asked why Watson speaks often at libraries around the nation and why the institution is so important to his work, he replied, “Research has become one of the most powerful tools in my career. Where do I go for research? I go to libraries. They [libraries] have always been my foundation.”

For more information about Watson’s book signing and reception at IDC, visit indianadesigncenter.com.

More organizations are opening their doors after regular business hours and are organizing “after hours” events geared at drawing in people who may not be familiar with all that they offer and usually attract a younger patron and potential donor base at these “adult” events.

CCPL’s Young Professionals Committee has organized a brand new event, Library After Dark, that will take place Saturday, April 13 from 7-10 p.m. and is open to all adults 21 and over. Inspired by events like “Zoobilation,” the CCPL YP Committee’s Founder and President Hadley Moore shared that the event will showcase local restaurants that will be generously donating samplings of their food and beverages throughout the event.

Additionally, there will be live music, a variety of board games, library fortune telling, life-size games and a giant crossword puzzle for attendees to experience and earn raffle tickets for prizes at the end of the evening.

“Ultimately, the purpose of the Young Professionals Committee is to introduce the library and all of its offerings to the people in their 20s and 30s,” Hadley said. “The library has so many resources, incredible collections and tools that we want people to know about. The YP Committee is a way to build a foundation of younger donors and patrons and introduce them to not only volunteerism but to library philanthropy as well.”

Hadley emphasized that ticket prices are purposely affordable to accommodate everyone’s budget.

“Our price point is $30 for a single and $50 for a couple as we are encouraging people to bring friends,” she said. “We want to pack the library with anyone who is 21 and over, and we welcome adults of all ages and anyone who wants to experience the library after dark. We are going to turn the entire library into a festival of activities and highlight the many things that the library possesses that could be really fun after hours and after a glass of wine.”

Moore shared that the dress is casual and fun as they want people to wear whatever makes them comfortable. Tickets are on sale online at carmel.lib.in.us. For information on how to join CCPL’s Young Professional Committee, email Elizabeth Hamilton at [email protected].