Gibson Memorial Library plans collaboration with Market on Maple

The Gibson Memorial Library has begun discussions to offer space to Market on Maple for potential vendors.

Market on Maple is an annual event held in Creston where local vendors, artisans and food trucks fill the streets, creating a festival dedicated to local community and business. The library is willing to offer space for the festival, allowing for a location where local artisans can showcase their work.

The library has been involved with local festivals before, such as with Merry Marketplace, creating the Uptown Storywalk back in December.

Discussions took place over the topic during a library board meeting on Monday.

The collaboration marks an opportunity to showcase the library’s new pavilion, bringing attention toward the library and any artisan contributions. The event coincides on times when the library is open, making an easy fit for business.

These plans are complicated by the construction of the pavilion project, needing to be finished by May 11, the day scheduled for Market on Maple. The pavilion, with construction plans developing since 2023, is the largest unknown in the discussion. If the pavilion can’t be completed by the time of the festival, the library would have to explore alternative options.

Additionally, the library’s policy around sale and business would need to be examined. The library had previously given exceptions for local authors, citing the opportunities as furthering the library’s mission. By giving the pavilion space to local artisans to showcase their work, the library can further connect themselves with the community.

Another option available for the library is to use the pavilion space as a dedicated kids space, something Market on Maple has done in previous years with their “mini-maker” areas. A concern was raised involving a scenario where parents would leave their kids at the library to go shop, leaving the library to function, in a worst-case scenario, as an unofficial daycare for the festival.

Last year, Market on Maple brought together more than 60 vendors to the intersection of Maple and Montgomery Street, as well as dedicated entertainment spaces. This year would mark the fourth year for the event.

Applications to be a vendor for this year’s Market on Maple lineup are still open and can be found on Market at Maple’s Facebook page.