Crafts, conversation and community at Mount Vernon Library

The Solarium at the Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County was filled with the gentle hum of conversation and creativity last Thursday afternoon as participants gathered for the monthly Adult Craft and Conversation event. Art supplies, coloring pages, and the unmistakable clack of dominoes created an easygoing and welcoming atmosphere for the afternoon.

A spirited game of dominos was already underway, with Charlie Maverick and Jack Scott deeply engaged, their focus broken only by laughter and friendly commentary from nearby friends on both sides of the long table. The game quickly became a focal point of the room, drawing smiles and lighthearted remarks that reflected the relaxed spirit of the gathering. Maverick, who moved to Mount Vernon from Columbus a little over a year ago, has been attending Craft and Conversation events at the library ever since. Her continued participation highlights how the program helps newcomers feel at home while strengthening community ties.

Down the table, Sue Clarke, Janice Rhinebolt, Mary Blanchard, and Katie, the library’s reference assistant, were color-deep in their coloring projects. Intricate designs gradually filled with bright and calming shades as conversation flowed naturally among the group. Clarke shared that the event provides a meaningful chance to connect with others, describing it as a good opportunity to network. Rhinebolt added her perspective on the collaborative nature of the gathering, saying, ‘we all learn a lot from each other.’

The friendship between Rhinebolt and Clarke has deep roots. The two originally met through the Girl Scouts and have remained friends for more than 29 years. Their long-standing bond was evident in their easy conversation and laughter, adding a sense of history and continuity to the afternoon. Events like Adult Craft and Conversation allow those long friendships to mingle effortlessly with new connections formed across shared tables and creative projects.

One of the defining features of Adult Craft and Conversation is its open-ended approach to creativity. Participants are encouraged to bring any craft they enjoy working on, from crocheting and knitting to rubber stamping, watercolor painting, or even woodworking. There are no rules or expectations about what should be created, only an invitation to spend time making something while enjoying good company. Maverick summed up that spirit by noting that there are no rules, reinforcing the idea that creativity thrives best in a relaxed and supportive environment.

The group also reminisced about past events, including one memorable afternoon when participant Jack Scott brought in a metal tooling project for everyone to try. That shared experience captured the essence of the program: Learning something new together and stepping outside one’s usual creative comfort zone. For those who arrive without a project, the library ensures that no one is left out by providing coloring pages and supplies.

Adult Craft and Conversation is just one of several creative programs offered at the library. Other popular events include Sewing with Lisa and Adult Craft Night, all of which underscore the library’s role as a vibrant community hub. Located at 201 N. Mulberry St., the Public Library of Mount Vernon & Knox County continues to offer welcoming spaces where creativity and connection go hand in hand.

Adult Craft and Conversation events are held once per month, usually on the last Thursday of the month unless a holiday intervenes, from 3-4:40 p.m. The event is free and open to the public, offering a monthly dose of creativity. For more information, visit www.knox.net or contact the library at plmvkcohio@gmail.com. As last Thursday’s gathering demonstrated, sometimes all it takes is a shared table, a creative spark, and a welcoming community to turn an ordinary afternoon into something special.