Amenia Free Library craft event yields feeders for hummingbirds

AMENIA — Ensuring that local hummingbirds will spend the summer fat and happy, the Amenia Free Library held an event for patrons of all ages to assemble charming hummingbird feeders from recyclable materials on Wednesday, May 29.

Leading the event was the library’s new programming assistant, Hope Bruzzi, completing her first month of being on the job.

“I made it to look like a little garden,” Bruzzi said, showing her model finished product made of a small plastic water bottle, cutouts of flowers from plastic plates, and short lengths of orange plastic straws. Hangers were made from twine. Colored markers would add artistic touches, like green stems for the flower cutouts.

During the 90-minute crafting period, patrons of all ages came along and set about making their feeders under Bruzzi’s guidance. Little Emma Steed, 3 (almost 4), of Amenia, was the youngest, and intent upon coloring her feeder effectively to catch the eye of hummingbirds.

“We are working toward passing the torch,” said Beth Hale of the library’s programming staff who, after serving the library for almost three years, will move soon to Vermont. She said that during her time at the library, she has learned a lot, particularly about how to reach out and bring people in to experience the library and all it offers.

During the transition, Bruzzi is assuming Hale’s responsibilities. Hale noted that the library is actively seeking a program assistant to work with Bruzzi.