We are always striving to keep library services as bright and vibrant as spring azaleas in full bloom. Throughout this COVID-19 pandemic, our library has proven we can shift and pivot to maneuver and conquer any situation. While other organizations are still just talking about reopening their offices, the Southeast Steuben County Library has returned to the chartered 55 hour week that New York libraries are required to maintain. WE’RE BACK and better than ever! Running with a New Hours of Operation lineup, there are many more options for you to visit this beloved hall of books. Monday through Friday, 9am-7pm and Saturday, 9am-2pm should allow all your browsing and borrowing needs to be fulfilled. Welcome back!

Let’s catch up on a few weeks of what’s been happening in the Creation Station Makerspace at the library. Papier Mache the Quick and Easy Way with Wynn Yarrow was the April Maker Monday. Local artist Wynn Yarrow led this class with her personal approach to the technique. Since most of our programming is virtual, there were a few students from far reaches of the nation, like Florida and Oregon. It’s fun to see borders and boundaries disappear with virtual learning opportunities. Kits for this class are still available as Take and Make-able, so you can follow along with the tutorial from the comfort of home. This specific video will expire on June 12, 2021, so don’t hesitate.

May Day brought us a succulent Yoga Session with the ever-fabulous Elizabeth Moses of Crystal Heart Yoga in Corning, NY. If you missed the Live event, follow the link above to unite your body and breath. Our next live class with Elizabeth is scheduled for Saturday, May 29 at 11am on Facebook Live. Start your Memorial Day Weekend with mindful movement before digging your gardens and planting those flower beds!

For Fashion Revolution Week, Jesse Junko Beardslee of Themis and Thread brought her fashion design history and mastery to our live stream. We learned the historic reasons for knowing who makes our clothes and how to condense new purchases into quality garments that are meant to last. Quick fashion is part of myriad reasons Mother Earth’s climate is struggling. Every purchase and decision to spend our money matters. When we make what we need, the product is exponential. We can share the knowledge, sell the products locally or maintain our own fashion without a toss-away mentality. This beckons to the Chinese proverb; Lao Tsu said that if you give a hungry man a fish, you feed him for a day, but if you teach him how to fish, you feed him for a lifetime. It’s time to learn to fish!

Kimberly Canale has returned with more of her creative adventures in Crafting with Kimberly. On Star Wars Day, we learned how to make Nature Gnomes. These are adorable little friends that whip up quickly with some materials from the Dollar Store or around the house and a few sticks of hot glue. Lucky patrons swooped in to snag our prepared Take and Make kits after the class. Check the video description for a list of materials to prepare in order to craft your own Gnome. If you missed this class, be sure to register for the June 1 class. We will be making Fairy Gardens. If the weather allows, this class will meet in person in the Civic Center Plaza behind the library. We will record the class to add to our YouTube channel, so anyone who prefers to join us Live, but virtually is welcome to do so. Register today to add your name to the list and secure a supply kit before it’s too late.

As summer approaches, we are planning new adventures in the community. Tales and Tails is the summer reading theme. I plan on cooking up some tales with you together, in person, outside in the glory of nature. If you have a program you wish to see hosted at this library, send your requests now. We love to have input from our adoring fans.

That’s a wrap for this stationary moment. I’ll check you on the flip side!