Quick Craft Cart

Mar 10, 2016

$1-50

Byline

Rachel Brooks, Librarian, Central Express Library, St. Louis, Mo.

For libraries that lack space for programming and events, quick craft activities can be offered to patrons on a Quick Craft Cart. Supplies for making bookmarks and holiday cards are provided on a book cart, along with an example of the craft. It costs little money and takes up the room of a single book cart. Perfect for smaller libraries! We offered our craft cart during our Holiday Open House so more patrons would be around to take part, and did so again with an Easter egg bookmark craft, which were made by approximately 15 people.

Advanced Planning

We started planning a few months in advance of the activity. The goal was for all patrons to linger a bit longer in the library and have some fun with a "make and take" item. This was a simple activity to set up, with no challenges other than to make sure that no one took any of the tools (hole-punch, glue sticks) out of the library.

Marketing

The activity was posted to the library's online calendar a few months in advance. There were several patrons who got a kick out of a quick craft activity, and they thanked the staff for offering it.

Budgeting

We spent money on decorative and construction papers, glue sticks, adhesive gems and yarn. Some items (hole-punch, paper) were brought from the librarian's home. That helped with cost.

Day-of-event Activity

The cart was set up by one person in less than five minutes and rolled out to a heavy-traffic area. This activity was offered during the branch's annual Holiday Open House so there would be more people than expected.

Program Execution

About 15 people enjoyed making free holiday bookmarks that doubled as ornaments.

Advice

Have fun with it. Patrons appreciate that you thought of them, and it is fun to see what they make. This activity can also help patrons who have little money to purchase gifts.