CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The usually quiet hallways of the Jefferson Madison Regional Library Northside branch were filled with music Monday afternoon, as local teenagers gathered to participated in a meet-up, along with local musicians Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun.

The teens in attendance brought their instruments and were able to play alongside Pun and Lasko, while also asking questions and learning more about what it’s like to be a musician.

Young Adult Librarian Jess Moore told Cville Right Now the idea for the event came from a member of her teen advisory board, Ella. She said while many might associate libraries with being quiet, she often puts together events for teens that don’t fit that stereotype.

“We do absolutely have areas where people can work and study and enjoy that quiet space,” she said. “But libraries are constantly changing and evolving, and I frequently do things with teens that are noisy, like game nights and trivia.

“And a big part of the library’s mission and values is connecting community, and I really felt like music does that.”

With the idea already in motion, Moore got Pun and Lasko, who have been apart of the Charlottesville music scene for over two decades, involved after running into the former at JMRL’s Central Branch, where he had done an event in connection with his children’s book, “Som Tum & Sticky Rice.”

“We really support education,” Pun told Cville Right Now. “And really believe that being educated is a must for all of us, and it’s a privilege also, but having access to especially books in our community that free and available to everyone is such a special thing, and to have so many branches in Charlottesville and the surrounding areas is truly special.”

Pun added that the kids he and Lasko know, including their two daughters, love going to the library, and it’s special to see the excitement they have in reading. Lasko even drew a comparison between the two.

“I think there’s a real kind of similarity to book and music, in that a book can really take you on a journey,” she said. “And I’ve noticed how exciting it is for (our daughters). I mean, each book, especially these chapter books, really, they open up an djust can’t put them down. I think it’s similar to music.”

Pun and Lasko spent their time with the teens playing a variety of songs in different styles, showcasing their own work while encouraging them to show off what they know. The music drew in a number of other library attendees, who came in to listen.

Moore said even with area schools starting back up later this week, she has more events in the works for the future, including an aspiring author meetup and a new event called “Brainiacs Anonymous,” where teens will be able to make presentations on a topic of their choosing for 10 minutes.

“I’m really just grateful for the teens in our community,” she said. “I’ve got teens from all different kinds of backgrounds, and I’ve got a great mix of homeschoolers, public schoolers, private school kids. So, I really feel like I can provide services for teens all over the service area because of them.”