by Riley Wootten, junior editor
FAIRHOPE, Ala.— Fairhope Public Library encourages locals to come participate in Maker Monday where a new craft is made every week. The craft this week featured a reef that was designed with Halloween decoration.
“I like to come to this event because I like crafting and I have friends here. I also love being able to hang out with a bunch of cool people,” said Hailey Jackson, Fairhope High School freshman.
According to Youth Services Librarian and leader of the maker monday program Allyson Russel, Maker Monday is a space for people who share the same interests to craft together and come together weekly to show off their skills.
“You know, there’s so many different reasons that people use our library, so when I do programs, like Maker Monday—which technically is 13 to, you know, old age—, anyone can come but it’s mostly you guys, teens,” Russel said. “The purpose of that is to have a third space for people to come and hang out and be together and, in this case, to be creative and make something, because some of us have this urge in our brains to make things.”
This week’s Maker Monday took place at the library, and for this craft, kids were taught how to tie ribbon into bows for the reefs that were made out of pool noodles, Halloween colored tulle and tiny fairy lights. This activity lasted from 5-6 p.m. and around 15 people, mainly teens, came to craft.
“I feel the maker space is an important asset to the community because it allows young people to gather and express themselves creatively. Those who may not otherwise have access to art and craft supplies are able to have fun and create things,” said Lillian Walley, Youth Services Technician.
Walley said the event serves as an opportunity for people to learn new skills, important assets and provides an experience for teenagers to socialize and make friends.
The Fairhope Public Library hosts activities and events such as TED talks, storytimes, book review sessions, book clubs and more. This space creates a place for the community to come enjoy events with people who share similar interests and inspires all age groups to enjoy the art of homemade crafting without the expense.
