The Bangor Public Library has been thinking about having a coffeehouse at the library for quite some time. We’d actually like to do this in cooperation with other libraries around the state.

The idea is to provide a place where local performers, preferably acoustic, can play in a setting that the entire family can enjoy. This will help nurture local talent and grow an audience. The music could be rock, jazz, classical, folk, gospel – any kind of music that can be shared and enjoyed in a small “coffeehouse” setting.

We finally have the opportunity to try out the idea. The library will hold its first coffeehouse 2-4 p.m. Saturday, March 25, in the Lecture Hall. There will be round tables and biscotti, coffee, juices and water.

Laura Gallucci’s Strings – her violin and viola studio students – will play a variety of music from fiddle to classical. Everyone is invited and everything is free.

Laura Gallucci is the interim principal violist with the Bangor Symphony. She also is a valuable member of the band, St. Huckleberry, a Celtic-retro-rock group. The program will feature students from her studio and promises to offer an eclectic mix of music.

Among the performers will be a beginning fiddle group and, I’ve heard, there will be a few students who are going to play some “Lord of the Rings,” “Star Wars” and “Harry Potter” tunes. There will be an original string quartet and a new string piece. There will be enough variety to keep the whole family entertained while waiting for spring to come.

Unfortunately, the library doesn’t have the money to pay performers or to plan an on-going coffeehouse series, but we thought that we’d try one and see if it would work. I think it’s a good idea for everyone – the performers get an audience, all ages can come listen, children get exposure to live music in an informal setting. They also get to see that adults really do love music and that there is a reason to take music lessons and practice.

Barbara McDade is director of Bangor Public Library at 145 Harlow St. For information on library programs and services, call 947-8336.