Memorial Hall Library Creates 'Makerspace' for the Community

This summer, Memorial Hall Library is creating a Makerspace, which in a nut shell is a "collaborative learning environments where people come together to share materials and learn new skills." 

Called the Beehive for Community Creativity and Gathering, this "Makerspace" will feature several events at the library each month for adults to learn, create, and interact.  Find a new way to keep busy in The Beehive!

The Beehive will host a variety of drop-in activities focused on art, writing, crafts, games, demonstrations, and discussions of all kinds.  Responding to patron interest, this project allows us to offer more community-based programming that encourages discussion and the sharing of new ideas.  Museums, libraries, and schools are creating community makerspaces for a hands-on form of experimentation and playing that stimulates new ideas and engagement.

The Library as Incubator Project describes makerspaces as:

Makerspaces are collaborative learning environments where people come together to share materials and learn new skills… makerspaces are not necessarily born out of a specific set of materials or spaces, but rather a mindset of community partnership, collaboration, and creation.

Many of the library’s exciting Teen and Children’s programs allow participants to drop-in for hands-on programs, but our adult audience has only been able to “play” during structured class-style programs with a teacher. As the DIY trend continues to be popular, people are looking for easy, affordable ways to try things.

The Beehive will also encourage library visitors to interact with local artists and authors.  Artists will demonstrate their craft in while answering questions.  Local authors will discuss their writing process and answer questions along with signing books. 

Visit The Beehive calendar at mhl.org/eventcalendar for the list of upcoming events.  All programs are aimed at an adult audience, but all are welcome.  Events are drop-in and do not require registration.  

Authors Among Us

Join local authors for readings and discussions of their books in The Beehive, an area for adult creativity and idea sharing.  Books may be available for purchase and for signing.   These free events are drop-in and do not require registration.

Just the Right Note by Mary Guziejka on Thursday, June 6 from 12-2pm

Did you study music with Mary Guziejka?  Join Mary in The Beehive for readings from her book, Just the Right Note.  This memoir chronicles Mary’s life growing up in Lowell and being a music teacher in the Merrimack Valley for 20+ years including 16 at the Sanborn School in Andover.  Learn how music education led Mary to a career in the Department of Defense Dependents School System in places from Okinawa and Turkey, to Italy and England.

Boomer Bees

Memorial Hall Library and the Center at Punchard’s BoomerVenture are launching a summer series for Boomer Bees in The Beehive. Boomer Bee programs are aimed at a 50+ audience, but all adults are welcome. These free events do not require registration. To order the book discussion titles, visit the library catalog at mhl.org/catalog, or call Reference at 978-623-8401, x31.

• Boomer Bee Book Group, Thursday, June 13 at 7pm – The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery.
• Busy Boomers Game Night, Thursday, June 20 from 7-8:30pm - Buzz by for a fun night of games. Share your favorite game, or play one of ours. Bring the whole family!
• Boomer Bee Book Group, Thursday, July 11 at 7pm – Lying Awake by Mark Salzman.
• Busy Boomers “Craft It” Thursday, July 18 from 7-8:30pm - Drop in for a creative night. Bring your own craft projects, or play with our supplies. Knitting, crochet, jewelry, quilting, paper crafts, and more!
• Boomer Bee Book Group, Thursday, August 8 at 7pm – The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman.
• Busy Boomers Zentangle Art Demonstration, Thursday, August 15 from 7-8:30pm - A demonstration of an easy new art form that promotes relaxation, encourages creativity, and stimulates the brain. Follow up with a hands-on class at MHL or The Center at Punchard this fall.  Demo by MHL’s Emily Classon.

eBook How-To Sessions

Learn how to download free best-selling titles to read on your computer, iPhone, Android, Kindle, or other compatible eBook reader. Bring your eBook reader, USB cord, library card, and your questions for a hands-on session with Overdrive.  If you use a Kindle, bring your Amazon login and password too.

• Tuesday, June 11 from 7-8:30pm
• Tuesday, June 25 from 7-8:30pm
• Tuesday, July 9 from 7-8:30pm
• Thursday, July 25 from 10-11:30am                                    
  

Artists Among Us Demonstrations

Watch local artists work on their craft, and learn some new ideas. Artists will give a demonstration of their craft, answer questions, and provide tips on how you could get started with a new hobby.

• Rug Hooking Demo on Wednesday, June 12 from 10-11am - Join MHL crafters, Vicki Murphy and Gerry Deyermond for a demonstration of rug hooking. Learn about the history of hooking and the art form while you try your hand with a hoop and hook.
• Wool Appliqué Demo on Wednesday, July 10 from 10-11am - MHL’s Vicki Murphy will demonstrate how wool is appliquéd with two simple stitches, the blanket stitch and the running stitch. Get a feel for the process, and view several of Vicki’s pieces including table runners, wall hangings, and a felted bag.
• Sewn Sock Animals Demo on Thursday, August 22 from 2-4pm - MHL’s Brooke Shoostine will demonstrate how to hand sew stuffed animals from socks!  These cute critters, ranging from monkeys to dogs, make great gifts!

Call for Authors and Artists

The Library is looking for talented artists and writers to talk about or demonstrate their craft in The Beehive.  Reach out to your community, and inspire new artists and authors!  Artists will work on their craft and answer questions during a scheduled 1-4 hour time slot. Measures must be taken to protect library furnishings and carpet.  Authors may give readings, discuss their process with attendees, sign books, and answer questions.  To be considered for an event in The Beehive, fill out the adult program recommendation form at www.mhl.org/recommend.

Also Coming Up in June:

Creative Café on Monday, June 3 at 7 pm - Grab your craft supplies for a fun, monthly craft night! Meet other crafters, and work on your own projects. Open to adults who knit, crochet, scrapbook, and create other portable crafts.

Writers’ Group on Thursday, June 13 at 7 pm - Join Memorial Hall Library writers' group for writers of adult fiction, nonfiction, and memoirs. This group provides constructive advice and feedback on each other's works in progress.

MHL's Monday Movie on Monday, June 24 at 6:30 pm – Join us for a free monthly movie night.  Attend the movie, and enter to win the DVD. For more details, and for this month’s selection, visit mhl.org/mondaymovies.

All events are sponsored by the Friends of Memorial Hall Library.  For more information, visit www.mhl.org, or call 978-623-8401, ext. 31 or 32.  Programs are held at Memorial Hall Library, 2 North Main St., Andover, MA.