Title
2023 Summer Solstice Celebration at Burton Barr Central Library
Description
This report provides the Community and Cultural Investment Subcommittee with an overview of Phoenix Public Library's annual Summer Solstice Celebration at Burton Barr Central Library on June 21, 2023.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY.
Report
Summary
On June 21, 2023, after three years of pausing this typically annual in-person event on the 5th floor of Burton Barr Central Library (BBCL), Phoenix Public Library (PPL) will hold its annual Summer Solstice Celebration.
BBCL's architectural design features a number of elements that incorporate the Summer Solstice, specifically a light effect that occurs across the 5th floor at its most prominent at Solar Solstice (which occurs at approximately 12:29 p.m. on June 21 this year). For many years, BBCL held a public event, often drawing approximately 1,000 visitors to witness the light feature in person. This year's Summer Solstice Celebration will include featured speakers, live music, and additional programs and activities planned in PPL's maker space MACH1 (Makers, Artists, Crafter, Hackers), Rare Book Room, Arizona Room, and more throughout the day.
In addition to recognizing the first day of summer and the longest day of the year, this event will honor PPL's 125th Anniversary, the official PPL date of June 21, 1898. Summer Solstice festivities will begin officially at 11 a.m., live music on the 5th Floor will begin at 11:30 a.m. with the formal Solstice presentation scheduled to begin at noon to include Library and City leadership and featuring Wendell Burnette, one of the principal architects of BBCL, delivering an architectural presentation.
For more information, visit the "Summer Solstice" calendar entries on phoenixpubliclibrary.org
Financial Impact
There is no anticipated impact to the City General Fund.
Location
Burton Barr Central Library, 1221 N. Central Ave.
Council District: 7
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Library Department.