Learning at Jefferson County Public Library goes far beyond reading.
Make Something is one of those special JCPL programs that encourages patrons to think creatively, learn a new skill and craft with their hands. With so many supplies to set up and 20 patrons all learning a brand-new technique together, having some volunteer help is a necessity.
"I am incredibly grateful for the enthusiastic and skilled support I have received from Madison and Heather," Belmar Library Patron Experience Associate Rebekah says. "The Belmar edition of Make Something tends to have considerable setup and high-level crafts that can be complicated for some participants. Without these two dedicated volunteers, it would be challenging for me to present these programs."
Madison, who started volunteering in 2023 and wanted to find "a crafty, creative volunteer opportunity," applied to several organizations.
"When I got the response from the Library, I was super excited about it," she says. "I ignored all the other responses after that!"
For Madison, the Library was an important community center while growing up: "And this was my first step back into it since being 10 or 12."
Heather was motivated to support JCPL after reading about book banning in the news and wanted to get involved.
"This was exactly what I needed," she says. "But didn't know I needed it."
And, as Rebekah points out, it's Madison and Heather's creative mindset that allows them to pick up skills and then translate those skills to help the Make Something patrons who need it.
"I'm an artist," Madison says. "I do graphic design and other commission art pieces as freelance work. For fun, I also make a lot of jewelry. I paint. I crochet."
"A little collage here and there never hurt nobody," she adds with a laugh.
"I also make jewelry, earrings mostly," Heather adds. "I do crochet, embroidery and oil painting. I've also taken pottery classes, both wheel and hand building. It's so amazing to go to an art class, and you're surprised and inspired by what other people are doing."
Both women are regularly inspired by what class participants create during the program.
"We're setting up the craft for someone to come in with an open mind and their perspective," Madison says. "They take it to a whole other level. One of the best parts is walking around and looking at what everyone else made."
"Yes!" Heather agrees. "I like the crafts where people can just completely go off creatively."
January's Make Something craft was soap, which required a lot of tools and supplies that a hobby crafter may not already own or want to purchase for a one-time project. These complex crafts also require a significant investment in setup, prep work and cleanup.
"We help make the staff's lives easier so they can do the best job they want to do, too," Madison explains. "Rebekah always says she wouldn't have the time to help everyone if we weren't here. With more support, we're able to accomplish more together."
"And allow for those bigger projects with more creativity," Heather adds.
Make Something also offers opportunities for connection between patrons.
"When we were waiting for the soap to set, a lot of people who didn't know each other were just chatting," Heather observes. "It was nice, usually we're just go, go, go with the project."
"For Mother's Day, we had a grandmother, mother and daughter all there at once," Madison remembers. "The crafts are designed for adults, but it's approachable for different generations."
Madison and Heather have also formed a bond through their volunteer time.
"We vibe well together," Heather smiles.
"We're definitely on each other's wavelength," Madison agrees. "We come in, and it's like: You've got this, I've got this. It's a fun time. Volunteering is just as much fun for me as being a guest or an attendee."
Rebekah has also noticed the great teamwork and rapport between the pair of volunteers and JCPL patrons.
"They have been working together for over a year and a half and coordinate with each other to ensure that all tasks get completed quickly and efficiently," Rebekah says. "Make Something repeat participants know that they can look to Madison or Heather when they have questions, and having them there makes the projects more attainable and fun for everyone."
Thank you, Madison and Heather, for supporting creative learning at the Library!