Westerly Sun Column | Celebrate National Craft Month at the library

I’m not sure about you, but I would estimate – with some degree of certainly – that I was covered in a thin layer of glue or paint for at least 70% of my childhood. I was constantly engaged in arts and crafts projects, and while this can be at least partially chalked up to the fact that I’m the offspring of an artist, it seems to be the experience of many children. In Rhode Island, arts are an important part of the Early Learning Curriculum Framework, which recognizes that artistic endeavors help hone fine motor skills, foster creativity and self-expression, and aid in cognitive development. Basically, arts aren’t just fun, they’re fundamental! I love it, and I’m here for it, the only thing I would add is this: arts and crafts are beneficial for adults, as well.

At the library, some of our most popular programs for adults are related to crafts. On the first Monday of the month we offer Crafternoon To-Go kits, which provide the materials and instructions needed to complete a craft project. I’m not exaggerating when I say that those kits FLY out the door. Over the past year, we’ve offered a number of in-person workshops, too, like decorating candles with dried flowers, and they’re always a hit. Just like with kids, engaging in art projects can help adults enhance their motor skills, increase their confidence, and lower anxiety and stress. And if there is anything we need less of these days, it’s stress.

Since March is National Craft Month, we’re providing even more opportunities for all age groups to get creative (and a bit messy!) than usual. Every Thursday from 4-5pm, kids, tweens, and teens can pop by their respective library spaces to take part in a new drop-in art activity, from stamp-making to foam painting and beyond. On Tuesdays, we hold a “Chapters, Cookies, & Coloring Club” for kids between 5 and 12, where they enjoy a light snack and calming coloring pages while listening to a read-aloud. For adults, we’re excited to add a new monthly program to our calendar: Adult Craft & Movie Night! Each month, you’re invited to watch a film in our auditorium while working on a simple art project. Our first program takes place on March 23 from 5:30-7:45pm, and we’ll be watching “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” (classic) while making collages or vision boards.

If you’re feeling an urge to get your hands on a hot glue gun…first off, mission accomplished. Second, you need to add Saturday, March 21 to your calendar. From 10am-1pm, we’re holding a Craft Supply Swap in our Terrace Room, during which we’ll have loads of new or gently used art supplies free for the taking. This is a great chance to grab a few supplies to get the creative juices flowing, and it’s also a fantastic opportunity to clear out your own craft rooms/closets! The library is accepting donations from March 9-18th, which can be dropped off at the Circulation desk. Let’s get crafty!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian