The Artesia Public Library has kicked off 2024 with a roar instead of a shush by adding new programs as part of a goal to make the library approachable to all demographics of the community.
“The library is for everyone,” said Adult Services Librarian Wendy Kilpatrick. “The library staff continuously work to provide programming for all ages and a safe, organized reading and work environment that is comfortable and conducive to all that would like to use the library.”
Some programs involve instructors from the community, such as Sewing Club, taught by volunteer Natasha Wilde, for “tweens and teens ages 10-15.” Sewing Club is held at 10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month for teens hoping to learn all things sewing, from how to thread a machine to creating masterpieces such as cooling/heating rice packs. The library has five machines available for use by attendees.
Teens uninterested in sewing but looking for community at the library are invited to check out Teen Tuesdays for grades 7-12 from 3:30-5 p.m. every Tuesday. During Teen Tuesday, the library will provide “space for teens to gather and play games, read, study and more.” Teens are also welcome to attend Family History, a genealogy journey that meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month for ages 13 and up.
Elementary and pre-school aged children have access to a number of programs, including After School STEAM for grades K-6, which features a different activity every week, from LEGO building to slime lab. Preschool StoryTime is held at 10 a.m. Tuesdays, during which children complete crafts, reading, music and more, as well as Toddler Move and Play at 11 a.m. Thursdays for ages 1-3.
Mother Goose features a fast-paced program designed to keep babies engaged with rhymes, short books, puppets and more every Tuesday at 10 a.m. for infants through age 3.
Take Your child to the Library Day is a single-day event for children, teens and their families, featuring game time, grab-and-go craft kits and a story time. This event will be held from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Feb. 3.
Adults also have several programs available for involvement.
Literary Lounge meets the last Thursday of every month and covers “all things books,” including but not limited to “books about books, libraries, bookstores, authors” and more. The book for February is “The Paris Library” by Janet Skeslien Charles, with the 2024 complete list available on the library’s website.
Yarn United, which is not limited to yarn crafts but welcomes crafters of all styles seeking a community to craft with, is held at noon on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Stress Less “is a new program designed to give people a space to get away from the stress of everyday life.” The library provides anti-stress activities on the third Wednesday of every month from noon – 2 p.m.
Lunch time library-goers can also attned the Lunch Bunch Book Club, reading “All Fall Down” by Jennifer Weiner in February. This group meets the third Monday of every month, except for June, when the group will be led by author Denise Gard, who will join discussion of her book.
The library has also become the home of a monthly self-defense seminar held at 10 a.m. the third Saturday of every month and led by Varsity Academy, a local fitness and martial arts school. A Dungeons and Dragons group meets weekly on Tuesdays at 2 p.m.
Finally, library programs are not limited to the library campus. The Artesia Public Library has installed a free library in Heritage Walkway and a Story Walk that follows along Eagle Draw.
The Artesia Public Library intends for the excitement to grow from here leading to the MARCHiversary celebration of the building’s 10-year anniversary, which will feature a number of activities as well as weekly prizes and an end-of-the-month grand prize.
For more details or information on any program or MARCHiversary, check out the Artesia Public Library’s website at www.artesianm.gov/146/Library.