The Atglen Public Library (APL) is celebrating summer at its new location with a host of activities for patrons of all ages in August.

APL's end-of-summer celebration will feature The O'Rourkes performing "Sea Shanties and Songs From the Sea" on Tuesday, Aug. 23, from 7 to 8 p.m. Based in Chadds Ford, the group performs Irish and Scottish folk songs and sea shanties.

"This is our first coffeehouse concert, where we will take over the library for a casual performance. This is an all-ages concert, and kids are encouraged to wear their mermaid and pirate costumes," said library director Robbyn Kehoe. "It's after hours, and we will set the band up and people can sit wherever they want in the library."

Those who attend the event will be eligible to receive a Plundering Pirates patch. "We have these patches that are like Scout badges - round and with really nice embroidery," Kehoe explained. "If they come to a program, they can earn a patch."

Teen Book Club will meet on Wednesday, Aug. 24, at 4:15 p.m. to discuss "The Thing About Jellyfish," and the Adult Book Club will meet on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6:30 p.m. to discuss "The Sweetness of Water."

Also on Aug. 24, children may read to a friendly dog as part of the PAWS for Reading program. Children may register for a one-on-one 15-minute session between 11 a.m. and noon.

Word Catching for Teens will be offered via Zoom on Wednesday, Aug. 17, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Recommended for patrons age 13 and up, the program will focus on writing and will include sharing current works in progress. The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month.

The Monday Mile walking group will meet on Monday, Aug. 29, from 6 to 7 p.m. Partcipans will meet at the library and then set out on a walk around the neighborhood. The event will be held weather permitting.

Ongoing programs include Cast Off With Knitting, which is offered every Wednesday from 3 to 4 p.m. Participants socialize while working on needle arts of any kind, including crocheting, knitting, embroidery, crewel and hand-quilting.

All in-person programs will be held in the library's new location at 121 Main St., Atglen. Kehoe reported that the library's move from 413 Valley Ave. has proved popular with patrons. "From when we moved on March 28 through July 28, circulation is up 71%," she said. "Program participation is up 68% and door accounts - people coming through the door - is up 185%. It has almost tripled."

She attributes the library's success to its central location across from the borough municipal building, the easing of pandemic restrictions and the ample free parking. "It's more visible. People can find it, and (we have) the parking lot," she stated. "(At the library's previous location), people were coming with kids and there was no parking. In every way (the new location) is more convenient for people."

Seating is limited for the upcoming programs, and registration is required. To register for the free programs, call the library at 610-593-6848 or visit http://www.atglenpubliclibrary.org and click on the Register for Programs button.