POPLAR RIDGE - The library isn't always a place where people have to keep quiet.

Sometimes it can get downright noisy - especially when a get-together includes fiddle music and a group square dance.

In celebration of the final program of its summer reading series, members of the board at Hazard Library in Poplar Ridge invited Ed and Geraldine Berbaum to share their old-time music with area children Thursday morning.

Throughout the summer, the library participated in a statewide summer reading program by hosting a different performance each week. Each program was designed to be educational and instill the importance of reading.

“The programs have been cultural in nature,” said library board member Lisa Semenza. “The final program, we wanted to just let the kids celebrate. It is just a fun musical celebration.”

The Berbaums travel the country teaching kids the importance of the history that music has played in our country.

“When this country was just beginning there was lots of land and lots of farms,” Geraldine told guests as the duo began to play a popular tune that has spanned many generations. “‘Turkey in the Straw' was a silly nonsense song that neighbors would celebrate with,” Geraldine said. “Each person would make up different verses as they went along.”

In addition to the many historical songs that were played, the Berbaum's brought along some old-time instruments, as well, including a limberjack, a wooden puppet on a stick that is tapped against a flat board to create a drum effect to go along with a fiddle or harmonica.

At the beginning of the summer program the children were encouraged to create a reading goal for themselves. In keeping with the pirate treasure theme, a treasure map will be given to those children who have successfully completed their reading goals.

The treasure map will lead the young readers to the annual library book sale, where they will receive one free book of their choice.