Wayne County Library: It’s ‘knot’ just books

“Dazzle them with rope and cord,” reference librarian Arlene Whitmer said as she showed off a gracefully knotted bracelet made with clothesline. Whitmer was describing an upcoming class that will be offered by the Wayne County Library as part of their extensive program of crafting classes and workshops. This joint teen and adult class will be offered on Wednesday, Oct. 9 from 4-5 p.m. It’s open to those age 13 and up. All materials are provided. Reference librarian Kimberly Schneider said, “It’s important to sign up in advance so we know how many supplies we need.” Adult services associate Jeanne Browning shared her own personal tie-in to the event. “My Dad was in World War II. He was a sailor, and they used these knots.” Another joint teen/adult offering is scheduled for Nov. 16. “We’re going to make a snow globe out of a baby food jar,” Schneider said. “Last year I offered it for teens only, and there were a lot of adults who wanted to come, so this year they are welcome. Again, everyone just needs to sign up so we know how many to expect.” Snow globes contain a miniature winter scene and evoke fond memories for many. “I always loved to shake them up and watch the snow fall,” Whitmer said. “Some of them had music.” These handmade globes might not be musical, but they will be fun to make and personalize and will offer an opportunity for participants to socialize and enjoy sharing a multigenerational love of crafts. Library patrons also are invited to a regular crafting event called Crafternoons. Whitmer said, “Jeanne and I hold this about eight times per year. Our next one is Tuesday, Nov. 1 from 2-3 p.m.” Crafternoon is always on the first Tuesday during the scheduled months. “In November we will crochet holiday coasters ... It’s a simple pattern. Doing them in November gives you time to complete a set for the holidays.” Browning said, “They make a nice, little gift. We have one patron in particular, and whenever we introduce something new, all her friends are sure to receive that for their holiday gift. The coasters are great stocking stuffers or a nice hostess gift. You could give one to someone along with a coffee cup.”Whitmer said, “And on Dec. 6 from 2-3 p.m. we’ll have another Crafternoon. We thought we’d try a simple knitting pattern. We’ve been doing crochet for the past year.” “We’ll be making a beverage cozy,” Browning said. “For the Crafternoon workshops we do ask that patrons who attend have basic knitting and crochet skills. There just isn’t time to teach them the needed skills in an hour.” Supplies are provided and patrons are strongly requested to register in advance.Those wanting to learn needlework skills as well as experienced crafters are invited to the bimonthly meetings of Click ‘N Stitch. This group meets the fourth Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to noon and the fourth Monday of the month from 6-8 p.m. Whitmer said, “Crafters can bring their own project to work on, or they can use our materials and patterns. Some of the patrons are very experienced. There is an incredible amount of knowledge in the room. It is an excellent time for people who want to learn. You don’t have to register for this one. You just come, and we have everything a beginner would need to get started if they don’t have their own.” Schneider said, “Keep an eye out for a new workshop in January: Do-It-Yourself skin care products.”“We also have a movie night,” Browning said. “It’s not a craft, but you can sit and knit while you do it. I love to show movies that maybe folks haven’t seen on the big screen. We show a movie every month. I share a little trivia beforehand, and we always have popcorn. No need to register.” The next movie will be on Halloween, Oct. 31 at 6 p.m. with “Creature from the Black Lagoon.” There is another regular event that isn’t a craft but can be a good antidote for those who spend a lot of time sitting and crafting. Browning said, “It’s called Don’t be a Couch Potato Aerobics. It’s on Oct. 3 [and the first Monday every month]. There are two sessions: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. It’s 30-35 minutes long, and we equal about two miles in distance. It’s nothing complicated. I just wanted folks to get up and walk and be healthy. Even though it’s just once per month, I hope that patrons see that they can do this at home. Just get up and walk in front of the TV. I show music videos, and we always have fun. There is a wide mix of ages. We’ve even had kids join in. One time we had three generations of one family in the class.”The Wayne County Public Library is filled with options for multigenerational activities, workshops and fun. It’s all free and available in downtown Wooster. For more information stop by the library at 220 W. Liberty St. or call 330-262-0916.