Discover how the Reed City Library turned its space into a festive workshop, sparking creativity through simple Christmas craft activities for kids.
Christmas is here again, and with it is the usual celebratory spirit that leaves the air feeling special. Amidst the funfair, goodwill also stands tall. While there are a lot of gifts to go around, Christmas has always been a holiday to foster bonds between friends and family, and one such pleasure to enjoy is the joy of making things. And the finest workshops don’t have to be in the grandest art museum or an elaborate event hall; it can happen right there in the cozy embrace of a local library.
The Library as a Community Hub
The intimate feeling is what the Reed City Area District Library offered, located in Reed City, Michigan, going beyond being the silent spot for reading to become the heart of the season, thanks to the creative holiday cheer for local kids.
Crafting Artistic Masterpieces
The age doesn’t matter; creating with one’s hand harbors an incredible feeling that transcends time and day. The happiness from crafting pieces helps with stress relief and creates opportunities to interact with more new people.
The library clerk, Abby Nunamaker, was with the kids, helping them become pint-sized artisans, where the group focused on crafting holiday wreath ornaments. With simple materials like small wooden rings for the base, fluffy pipe cleaners as the boughs, and some beads for the glitz, the children were able to make something beautiful. Each wreath was a testament to the joy of making something unique.
Stirring Up Warmth, Light, and Keepsakes
According to Nunamaker, “It really engages the kids. It sparks creativity, warmth, light, and happiness, and I think that’s super important this time of the year.”
More than helping the kids have a nice time, the parents also enjoyed a bit of fresh air, forcing children (and their parents) out of the house, to socialize and be creative.
One notable part of the day was with Ella Ford, who beamed with pride knowing that what she built would be hung on her family’s Christmas tree. With Christmas being her favorite time of the year, it’s no surprise that having her handmade keepsake hanging on her family tree meant a lot to her.
That would remain a memory special to her and her family, which will probably shape the kind of adult she becomes. There’s no end to imagining what the simple event organized by a library would help kids like her become.
More on Reed City Area District Library
Libraries are meant to be a place where every member of a community feels safe, and the Reed City Area District Library lives up to expectations, providing free services to residents and beyond.
As of last count, the library houses over 23,000 books and magazines, alongside 600 audiobooks on CD, and more than 500 movies on DVD. Furthermore, like most other libraries out there, patrons can access thousands of e-materials.
With constantly open doors during business hours, Reed City Area District Library patrons have unlimited access to both print and e-materials, as well as the internet, and many other events.
Join our community of 1.5M readers
Like this story? You'll love our free weekly magazine.
Erica Sarah
Erica is a creative writer and editor with a love for books and the smell of libraries. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s doting on her cat, Felix, and daydreaming about ending global hunger.
