Article submitted by MPL Youth Services Librarian, Betty Schwede
To quote from Manitowoc Public Library’s website, “The mission of Manitowoc Public Library is to promote a culture of reading and to provide access to information. Through services we strive to foster an environment that meets the educational, recreational and cultural needs of the community.” All summer long, the Children’s Department has a reading program to encourage reading and support the educational needs of the community. Programs like “Touch the Trucks,” Rocket building with Jim Lenz, “Marble Run Mania,” yoga and tai chi, and Three Sisters Storytelling all contribute to the educational, recreational, and cultural needs of the youth of Manitowoc.
We’re always trying new things to see what the community will like. On Monday, August 5, at 4 PM, we’ll be trying out a sort-of-sewing program called “Sew What!” We will be making sock puppets and simple bags with repurposed supplies. No sewing skills are needed. Teens and Kids 8 and older are welcome to attend. Kids need to be able to work independently. Needle and thread will be available as an option and hot glue will be used. Creative fabric fun will be had!
Our goal is to test the waters for future fabric programs, which would involve learning basic sewing skills. While the minimum age for using the sewing machines in the Idea Box is 13, there is no minimum age to begin learning basic skills. In October, we’ll be having a teen sewing program for kids 11 and older. Sewing for kids could be on the schedule in the winter. Keep an eye out for future information.
“Why spend time and money on things that you can easily buy,” you ask. There are many benefits to hand-craft hobbies. Sewing is a creative outlet that lets you express yourself, from choosing fabric to coming up with the finishing touches. The time and mental attention it takes to work your way through a project can be very therapeutic and gives you a productive way to deal with stress. Making something with your hands releases dopamine—the “feel-good” chemical—in your brain. With practice, sewing develops Hand-eye Coordination. Sewing takes time and teaches tenacity. It gives you something to be proud of that is one-of-a-kind.
“Sew What!” on Monday, August 5, is a chance for Kids and Teens to try something new and experiment with a creative outlet. We will meet in the Second Floor Balkansky Community Room. We believe that the program will only last for an hour, but creativity can take time! Let’s put our hands to work and make something fun, something fancy, something unique to you!