The theology room of BookMarx Bookstore is underway thanks to help from The Harmonium Project.
BY MELISSA SOLANO
The Harmonium Project is ready to shine again this year and has partnered with a local bookstore that is set to re-open this October in downtown Steubenville.
BookMarx Bookstore, located at 151 N. Fourth St., is The Harmonium Project’s latest enterprise in their mission to revive downtown Steubenville. The bookstore opened in 2009 and is now undergoing a facelift thanks to the volunteers and students of the project.
The bookstore will offer coffee, Wi-Fi, academic philosophy and theology rooms, a stage and “comfy couches to spare,” according to The Harmonium Project’s Facebook page.
In addition, The Harmonium Project is offering more concerts and volunteer opportunities for students and locals this semester.
“(Franciscan) students can expect to enjoy a whole movie-montage-esque slew of awesome, community-building concerts,” said Marc Barnes, a founding member of the organization.
The semester kicked off with the success of the Scythian and Alanna Boudreau concert Sept. 7. The next concert planned is a folksy husband-wife duo called Jenny & Tyler, which will be held on Saturday, Sept. 27. Following this, there will be a local music night Oct. 4, and The Family Crest will be playing for the organization Oct. 25.
The Harmonium Project is dedicated to the goal of fostering a thriving music scene in downtown Steubenville in order to attract business and personal presence. They aim to create a lasting, organic link between Franciscan University students and Steubenville to create more of a “college-town” environment.
So far, the project said they have had positive experiences and great response from the people of Steubenville. Various local business leaders have joined in with their support.
Barnes encouraged Franciscan students to get involved in many different, simple yet impactful ways, such as making an effort to go into town and participate with the town in local events.
For more information on The Harmonium Project, you can “like” their Facebook page for updates and volunteer opportunities.