Boone County Public Library (BCPL) opens a two-month American history celebration Friday, Oct. 9, with a free patriotic violin concert at its Main Library in Burlington.

Violinist Jared Maucotel takes the stage at 7 p.m. at the library's Main Branch, 1786 Burlington Pike. The concert launches Revolutionary Read: Celebrate America's 250th, a series of more than 20 programs running through November across BCPL's six branches.

Maucotel, a doctoral candidate at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, performs on a 1909 Silvestre et Maucotel violin from Paris. Attendees will also have a chance to win a copy of David McCullough's 1776.

The series is funded in part through the America250KY initiative, a statewide effort led by the Kentucky Historical Society to mark the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. It follows outdoor murals BCPL unveiled earlier in 2026 as part of the same commemoration.

Jennifer Cheek, BCPL's PR and marketing director, said in a library statement that the series gives residents a chance to connect with American history through music, dancing, book discussions and hands-on activities.

Programs span multiple branches: the Main Library in Burlington, the Florence Branch, the Hebron Branch, the Scheben Branch in Union, the Walton Branch and Chapin Memorial Library.

One standout: the Spirits of the Revolution Ghost Walk at New Bethel Cemetery in Verona on Thursday, Oct. 15, at 5:30 p.m. Tickets cost $5 and are available at the Main Library or the Walton Branch.

Upcoming Revolutionary Read events

  • Friday, Oct. 9, 7 p.m.: Jared Maucotel's Patriotic Violin Concert, Main Library, Burlington
  • Thursday, Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m.: Spirits of the Revolution Ghost Walk, New Bethel Cemetery, Verona ($5)
  • Tuesday, Oct. 20, 6:30 p.m.: 1776 by Candlelight with Karen, Main Library, Burlington
  • Wednesday, Nov. 4, 6:30 p.m.: Boone County Patriots (Daughters of the American Revolution), Walton Branch
  • Thursday, Nov. 5, 6:30 p.m.: Piatt Panel Discussion on Jacob Piatt, Main Library, Burlington
  • Friday, Nov. 13, 6:30 p.m.: Colonial Ball with dancing, games and door prizes, Main Library, Burlington (costumes encouraged)

The full calendar is available at bcplundiscovered.org/revolutionary-read. Residents needing special accommodations can call 859-663-2041 at least one week before an event.