LAURA KUCHMAY
Adult Services & Reference Librarian
mireference@delcolibraries.org
In my Makery @ Middletown arts and crafts workshops I strive to create a stress-free space where adults are not criticized and can feel confident in their creative abilities. I approach my classes with the same philosophy as the Zentangle drawing
method: there are no mistakes, just new ideas and patterns. Sure, we all mess up from time to time, but instead of reacting with disappointment, anger, or discouragement, we embrace it. Many of our patrons are retired and haven’t had a chance to express themselves creatively for years. They are looking for
programs to try new things, have fun, and experiment. They have found new friends and a supportive community at the Library.
method: there are no mistakes, just new ideas and patterns. Sure, we all mess up from time to time, but instead of reacting with disappointment, anger, or discouragement, we embrace it. Many of our patrons are retired and haven’t had a chance to express themselves creatively for years. They are looking for
programs to try new things, have fun, and experiment. They have found new friends and a supportive community at the Library.
I love when participants of my Zentangle Club tell me, “Before learning Zentangle my mistakes would stress me out, I’d give up, and throw away my work. Now I adapt, go with the flow, and create something new.” During PaintSpace I hear, “I never thought I could paint with acrylics — and actually like what
I painted.” People of all ages put so much pressure on themselves to be perfect. The boosts of confidence I witness each day warm my heart. I’m so proud to witness these moments of greatness!
I painted.” People of all ages put so much pressure on themselves to be perfect. The boosts of confidence I witness each day warm my heart. I’m so proud to witness these moments of greatness!
During my three book clubs (historical fiction, British mysteries, and cookbooks) our patrons are expanding their horizons and perspectives on the world without leaving their community. They experience new cultures, new ideas, new foods, and learn from the shared experiences of the characters in the books and their fellow book club members. In the Cookbook
Club they are building community through food. Many have remarked that since they live by themselves or have few family members nearby, they really enjoy making food for a large group and getting to share their stories with others. Through these book clubs lasting friendships have been made.
Club they are building community through food. Many have remarked that since they live by themselves or have few family members nearby, they really enjoy making food for a large group and getting to share their stories with others. Through these book clubs lasting friendships have been made.
During all of my workshops I encourage peer learning. You can’t expect perfection from
yourself or others. But each of us has strengths that can be shared. This increases confidence in the peer/teacher and establishes a bond with the person they coached. I love hearing the conversations during crafting — the funny stories, the heartfelt confessions, and emotional revelations. The saying that “crafting is therapy” is so true. We can learn so much from shared experiences. Through shared experiences, creativity, and trying new things a strong community is formed.
And the Middletown Free Library is the best community in my opinion.
yourself or others. But each of us has strengths that can be shared. This increases confidence in the peer/teacher and establishes a bond with the person they coached. I love hearing the conversations during crafting — the funny stories, the heartfelt confessions, and emotional revelations. The saying that “crafting is therapy” is so true. We can learn so much from shared experiences. Through shared experiences, creativity, and trying new things a strong community is formed.
And the Middletown Free Library is the best community in my opinion.
Keep it crafty, my friends!
