As part of its summer reading celebration, the Kershaw County Library will present children’s musical performer Elska at 6:30 p.m. on Friday at the Camden Branch.

The performance is free and open to all ages.

"We’re very excited about bringing this performer, who is well regarded in the field of children’s music and performance.

The story of Elska is interesting and magical, and in that way quite similar to the best of children’s books," Library Director Amy Schofield said.

Elska is the imaginary character performed by Brooklyn-based singer and actress Shelley Wollert.

The character of Elska is a modern pioneer who discovers a newly formed volcanic island off the coast of Iceland where she lives a life of beauty and wonder amongst a cast of unusual friends, including a pensive Winter Bear, a very friendly Goobler, a mysterious Arctic Fox and a vast colony of Lost Socks.

In the live show, Elska has travelled from her amazing island all the way to Camden to tell her story.

A blend of theatre, storytelling and musical performance, Elska whisks away children and families on a musical tour of her Arctic home and introduces them to the island’s wonderful inhabitants.

Elska and her island friends also populate her debut album Middle of Nowhere which was released in September.

The album is a Parents’ Choice Silver Medal, a NAPPA Honors, as well national exposure through heavy rotation at SiriusXM since its release.

Like her live performances, the new CD and its extensive artwork transport the listener straight onto the island to celebrate all its wonders.

To create Elska and her fictional world, Wollert worked closely with New York City-based record producer Allen Farmelo (The Cinematic Orchestra, Mikael Jorgensson/Wilco). Combining the whimsy of Winnie the Pooh and the otherworldliness of Dr. Seuss, Farmelo and Wollert very intentionally set out to create a new classic in children’s music and entertainment.

Live, Elska and her band whimsically adapt the songs from the CD using a vibraphone, ringing and twinkling bells and a unique little synthesizer called a Pocket Piano.

This instrumentation creates a playful, sparkling soundscape that casts a spell over the audience, drawing them into Elska’s amazing world.

The Camden Branch, located at 1304 Broad St., will be open especially for this performance. Children not yet registered for the summer reading program will be able to do so after the show.