Library cards and lanyards at the Millbrook Library

MILLBROOK — One of a continuing series of crafting sessions at the Millbrook Library, a children’s craft hour on Wednesday, Sept. 4 sought to teach children the art of creating beaded lanyards that could be simply decorative or have an added advantage of holding a library card. The event was in observance of National Library Card Month.

Having wrapped up her first day of school as a fifth-grade student at Alden Place Elementary School in Millbrook, Riley Pizzuto participated in the craft hour at the library, one of her favorite places to visit.

The craft hour was led by Kate Anderson, Children’s Literacy Coordinator at the library since July, 2022. She provided instruction and encouragement, although Riley was adept at selecting just the right beads for what she envisioned.

“I love new things,” Riley said, adding that she has five new paintings at home waiting to be hung and even has a devoted crafting area at home.

Assessing that she had “a great first day at school,” Riley responded to a question about whether she is the smartest student in her class.

“It depends on who’s asking,” she said.

Library Director Courtney Tsahalis spoke of the expanding importance of libraries within their communities in terms of the variety of services provided to visitors.

“A library card is one of the most valuable things a person can have, not just for books these days, but for programs and services,” Tsahalis said. “Some of the most important people in my life were librarians,” she added.

Anderson said that the crafting hours offering useful and easy crafts for all ages are scheduled for every Wednesday after school, beginning at 4 p.m. For a list of sessions, go to www.millbrooklibrary.org.