From July 18 to 20, the Garfield Park Library Friends will host “Murder in the Library: Final Checkout,” a murder mystery play to raise funds for Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries literacy programs. This engaging performance, crafted by playwright Kathy Perrin, blends suspenseful storytelling with a mission to support vital community reading initiatives.
Perrin first developed the play in Battle Ground, Washington, to aid her local library’s fundraising efforts for a new facility. Collaborating with community members, including local leaders and educators, she created a successful production that inspired her to write more plays for charitable causes. An accomplished author, Perrin has written novels like “Starwinger Prophecy” and several plays, all aimed at supporting community projects. After relocating to Santa Cruz, she partnered with the Garfield Park Library Friends, led by chapter president Elbina Rafizadeh, and proposed staging her play to benefit literacy programs.
Directed by Simon Hayward, who has led productions like “The Odd Couple” for Mountain Community Theater, the play features a talented cast, including Timothy Wilkins, Stephany Buswell, and Susan E. Parker. Hayward, who rediscovered his passion for theater after retirement, was drawn to the project’s community-driven purpose. The story centers on a group organizing a variety show to save their library, only for a shocking death to spark a mystery, with every character a potential culprit. Updated with Santa Cruz-specific references, the play offers layered characters with intricate histories, heightening the intrigue.
Performances are scheduled at the Downtown Santa Cruz Library on July 18 and Satori Arts on July 19 – both at 7 pm, and Cabrillo College on July 20 with a 2 pm showtime. Admission is a suggested $25 donation, though attendees can contribute any amount, with all proceeds supporting literacy programs like Preschool Storytime, Summer Reading Program, and Conversations in Español.
Hayward highlights the production’s tribute to libraries as vital community resources, noting that many cast members joined to champion this cause. Perrin hopes the play encourages greater community engagement with libraries, emphasizing their importance in fostering education and cultural connection.
Join the fun, unravel the mystery, and help sustain the Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries mission to promote literacy.