By Michael Pedro
Monday and Wednesday afternoons in D’Amour Library just became a lot more fun. Starting the week of February 12, a program with two new weekly events began. Dubbed “Crochet & Crafts in the Clarke,” this program consists of both a crochet program hosted by the Library Associate for Serials and Interlibrary Loan, Deb Beagle, and an arts-and-crafts program hosted by the Information Literacy Librarian, Bridget Kennedy. Kennedy also happens to be the newest addition to D’Amour Library’s roster. I sat down with Beagle and Kennedy to get their thoughts on running these programs.
“If somebody wants to learn how to crochet, or is stuck and needs some help,” Beagle said, “they can come in and get some assistance. We’re going to start with the basics for the next few weeks. Maybe in a month, we’ll make granny square scarfs. We’ll see what people are interested in making,” Beagle said of her program.
“Once per week,” explained Kennedy, “we’ll be doing different crafts, for different interests and abilities. Some people approach it methodically, while others are more free-spirited. This week, we’re making Scrabble coasters. People can provide feedback if they want to provide suggestions. I’m open to anything that isn’t too messy, too expensive, or too dangerous. No power tools either,” Kennedy explained.
She also noted that the crafts will be advertised on the D’Amour Library Instagram page, @damourlibrary. “Check the Instagram for new crafts. I’ll post it (there) either Wednesday morning or Tuesday night if I’m feeling ahead of the game,” Kennedy said. The announcements may also be posted on University Posts.
This is a drop-in program, so there are no sign-ins required. However, they’re exclusive to the campus community, so only faculty and students can attend. It will run from 4 to 5 p.m. in the Clarke Reading Room every Monday and Wednesday, barring illness or class cancellations. Currently, Beagle’s program does not allow people to keep the materials, though Kennedy’s does. Should both programs receive a sufficient budget, this will change. This program is also the first time the library has hosted a craft-making event, so it serves as a way to test the waters. Kennedy explained that D’Amour is trying to expand its horizons and create a relaxing wellness space, and the craft programs are the first steps in that effort. There will be ten of these events held throughout the semester for both programs, running until the end of April. If this goes well, then this program will be continued. If you want to do some relaxing activities or just need time to wind down, feel free to drop by!
