Craft ideas at the library

Goshen — A craft is an occupation, trade, or pursuit requiring manual dexterity or the application of artistic skill, according to the dictionary. This is a very formal definition of an activity which can bring hours of enjoyment to adults and children during the winter months. The current knitting craze is a perfect example of the continued popularity of crafts and other art and needlework activities. Library programs for children offer activities which involve demonstrating a new skill for children to master. It can be as complicated as a Greek Folk Art program, or as simple as teaching a preschooler to handle a glue stick properly. These are skills which will stay with a child throughout his or her life, and which will help broaden capabilities and interests. Parents can incorporate craft activities into their daily child care routine. A shoebox filled with crayons, glue, safety scissors and construction paper can occupy a child’s hands and imagination. For ideas and simple craft activities, the library is useful resource. Craft books are located in the nonfiction area, and have a 745.5 Dewey decimal number. In both the children’s and adult’s sections, parents may find something to spark their creative fires. It’s not too late to make homemade items as holiday gifts. Many books offer ideas for Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa, when a gift from a child’s hands is often more precious and appreciated than something bought in a store. Some recently published children’s craft and art books include: “Cartooning” by Art Roche, “Cool Painted Stuff” by Lisa Wagner, “Cool Rubber Stamp Art” by Pam Price, “Kit’s Friendship Fun” by Jennifer Hirsch, “The Kids’ Guide to Digital Photography” by Jenni Bidner, and “Kids Knit” by Sarah Bradberry These are just a few of the titles available at the library to keep children busy and productive during the winter season. For program information, call 615-1242 or visit www.goshenpubliclibrary.org. Information submitted by Kathy LaRocca, head of youth services at Goshen Public Library.