LaFayette Library weaves the community together
BY KADIE TAYLOR
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — Weaving memories this year, the LaFayette Library is holding a Basket Making for Grown-Ups class on March 6 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. for $5 a person. The class is beginner-friendly, and those who attend will leave with their own completed basket.
“This is the second basket-making class that we're having, and it's led by Pat Harriger — she’s really good,” said LaFayette Library Branch Manager Rachel Johnson. “She normally has others there to help who also know how to make baskets, and they assist everybody in the class. The first one was really successful, and I feel like we had a good attendance. So we're excited to host another one.”
Johnson said she has seen how events like the Basket Weaving class help connect community members and empower adults to learn new skills.
“We find library events like this connect people of all backgrounds, because the library is for everyone from birth all the way up,” she said. “So we find that it connects people and it helps, especially adults, stay connected with the community. A lot of times, we have retired adults who participate, and they enjoy coming to programs and socializing with each other.”
With busy schedules full of responsibilities, Johnson said she has seen how creative classes help encourage and empower local adults to try something new — for themselves.
“All of us are busy, from children all the way up to adults; we all have so much to do,” she said. “But sometimes, when you stop, and [try something new like this] it is like a form of selfcare. So carving out time helps build confidence [and allows people to] try new activities — and it's just good for everyone… Adults, really, they're just like children. We're never too old to learn new things. So when you step outside of your comfort zone, I found that a lot of times we'll notice people realize they have new skills they didn't know they had or talents that they didn't realize they have. So a lot of times, that's how people start in a new hobby or craft.”
In her role at the LaFayette Library, Johnson said she enjoys watching adults step out of their comfort zone, try new things and create something exciting.
“We're part of the main library in Valley, and we all work together to provide programs,” she said. “So it's wonderful to see the teamwork, and also to see the aftermath, which is the people enjoying the program. I love seeing everybody creating, learning new things and their excitement. So we had one lady who was really surprised that she was going to make a complete basket. She really didn't believe it, but she did, and she did a great job on it. So just seeing the excitement and the creativity — I think I like that the most.”
To register, call (334) 864-0012 or email lafayette@chamberscountylibrary.org.
