It's time again for the monthly mixing of town and university -- First Thursday. This event, which has only been around since February, showcases the culture and entertainment of both Penn State and downtown State College.

Catherine Grigor, manager of public relations and marketing at University Libraries, said First Thursday harnesses the efforts and energies of both town and campus organizations and promotes jointly to attract community and university members.

Grigor said attendees from the community and the university will benefit by having an array of activities to try.

"The town and campus have lots to offer, and this is a chance to explore," she said.

Zola New World's Bistro:
Where: 324 W. College Ave.
When: 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Zola's will be featuring a special exhibit called "Object Obsession," along with an arts happy hour. The exhibit presents local State College artist Laura Winn Kane and her still-life work. For the happy hour, all drinks will be $1 off.

Schlow Centre Region Library:
Where: 118 S. Frasier
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
A keynote presentation, "Why Silmarils Matter More Than Silicon: The Necessity of Fiction in the Computer Age," will be given by award-winning fiction writer James Morrow. The event will be located in the Downsbrough Room. Refreshments will be served.

Kitchen Kaboodle:
Where: 104 W. Beaver Ave.
When: 5 to 8 p.m.
There will be a featured program called "Art of the Mushroom." Bill Russell, the author of "Field Guide to Wild Mushrooms of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic," will be presenting his book. He will then be available for book signings.

Palmer Museum:
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
At this event, the Old Master Prints from the Permanent Collection exhibition will be featured. Participants can create their own prints using everyday objects. Free parking is available in Lot Yellow E on Curtin Road.

Eisenhower Chapel:
When: 12:10 p.m.
The Penn State School of Music presents Bach's Lunch: Viola Ensemble. Three short concerts will be performed by School of Music students.

Old Main Frame Shop:
Where: 136 E. College Ave.
When: 5:30 to 8 p.m.
Besides holding an exclusive one-day sale, where all framed art will be 20 percent off, the shop will also be displaying custom framing.

Webster's Bookstore Café:
Where: 128 S. Allen St.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Michelle Katz and Anna Marie Nachman will be playing acoustic music.

Penn State Downtown Theatre Center:
Where:127 S. Allen St.
When: 6 to 8 p.m.
Pennsylvania Centre Stage will hold a promo for season tickets. Entertainment and refreshments will be available.

University Libraries:
When: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Displays from the Libraries' Special Collections will be shown in 104 Paterno Library. Phi Beta Kappa: the History of the American Scholar, will exhibit images and resources from the Penn State Archives and the Phi Beta Kappa Society in the main lobby exhibit area.

At Home on Tour, a miniature exhibit of Judy Chicago's At Home in Kentucky project, will exhibit the theme of domestic space and societal problems and is located in the Diversity Reading Room in 109 Pattee Library.

7 to 8 p.m.
The film Proteus: a nineteenth century vision by David Lebrun will be showing in the Earth and Mineral Sciences Library. The film uses animation to bring historic images of the undersea world to life. It will be shown in 105 Deike Building.

HUB-Robeson Galleries:
When: Noon to 9 p.m.
In the HUB Gallery, the School of Visual Arts will present Research Exhibition. Also in the lower level of the HUB in the Robeson Gallery, an exhibit titled Vocal Discord by Dori Lemeh will feature self-images and the idea of women as socially constructed. There is also an Arts and Crafts Exhibit on Art Alley of the HUB.

The Artisan Connection:
Where: 135 E. Beaver Ave.
When: 5 to 9 p.m.
There will be a reception featuring two artists, State College resident Pernille Sporon-Boving and former resident Leslie Thayer. These women specialize in fused glass jewelry and other glasswork. Hors d'oeuvres will be served at the reception, and each person will get the chance to enter a drawing for a piece of jewelry.

The Creative Oasis:
Where: 133 E. Beaver Ave.
When: 3 to 6 p.m.
Creative Oasis will be giving demonstrations on how to make your own wheel-thrown pottery. The demonstrations will include the basic fundamentals on creating handmade pottery.