NORWICH – Guernsey Memorial Library’s annual Holiday Open House will feature the talents of former American Idol contestant Ian S. Holmes II, who finished among the top 44 finalists in the Hollywood competition three years ago.
Library Director Sarah Wiggins said Holmes accepted an invitation to perform at Friday’s open house where the popular Gospel, pop, jazz, soul, and rock signer will perform inspirational holiday music accompanied by a small ensemble.
The library’s open house is from 7 to 9 p.m. tomorrow and Wiggins said the festive event is a free and casual way of inviting the public to meet board members, library staff and to see what changes their local library has undergone in the last year.
Wiggins also noted she is still new to the library, having been the director for less than a year, and hopes the occasion would allow her a chance to introduce herself to community members.
“Most of the staff will be on hand and the library’s board members will also be attending, along with the library’s new director – me,” said Wiggins.
The event will begin with local musician Joe Lombardi greeting attendees with his welcoming melodies in front of the library. There will be free refreshments and a number of craft activities available for children.
Holmes will perform at 7:45 p.m. in the building’s meeting room, which has been arranged with 100 seats, a small stage and an additional standing space for another 150 spectators. Last year’s event drew over 200 people to the library, located at 3 Court St. in the City of Norwich.
