"Juggler, author, comic, mime. The Park Central Branch Library Community Stage is your place to shine."

This bit of poetry describes what is unique about the Springfield-Greene County Library District's new facility. The Park Central Branch Library, opened since early April in a portion of the Kresge building on the southwest corner of Springfield's Square, reflects an urban cool in its orange and white accents, flashy lighting, flat-screen TVs, low-to-the-floor computer stations, face-out shelving and way-out furnishings.

But it's the community service concept that makes the ninth branch in the District innovative, and the Community Stage in one corner of the 3,100-square-foot expansively glassed storefront exemplifies the vision, said supervisor Aleah Weltha. "We plan to have something local going on every Thursday."

On the first Thursday of every month, you'll hear insightful gallery talks from local artists about the work they'll have on display during downtown's popular First Friday Artwalks. On Thursday [June 5], well-known photographer David Eslick from the Southwest Missouri Camera Club will take the Community Stage and focus on composition and other technical aspects and tips on entering shows.

On the second Thursday of every month, local musicians will perform acoustic sets, beginning with folk rocker Eric Leick on June 12. Later in the month, open mic nights are scheduled for poetry readings, acting performances, juggling, mime—whatever your talent.

And, on the fourth Thursday of every month, there will be a series, "Better than the Book?" in which you can view a movie version of sci-fi classics, starting with "2001: A Space Odyssey" on June 26.

"We're just beginning to get our performance schedule in place," said library assistant Julie Taylor. "And so we are encouraging local people to get in touch with us and to share what they know best with the community."

You can do that by visiting the branch, calling 831-1342 or e-mailing aleahw@thelibrary.org.