The Abbot Public Library recently completed its renovations and hosted an open house to celebrate the occasion. Alongside this excitement, the library regularly organizes events for locals, including its popular Community Craft and Chat sessions.
Held every third Tuesday of the month, the event invites individuals to mingle while working on their personal crafts. Tech Services Assistant Megan Donoghue, who founded the program, shared, “We want to just be a group of people who snack, chat, and craft.”
Donoghue explained that participants bring their own craft projects, while she provides coloring pages and small craft supplies for anyone to use. The library also offers snacks and seltzers for guests to enjoy during the event. Donoghue ensures that dietary needs are met by offering gluten-free options and avoiding nuts when possible.
Donoghue, who moved from the Peabody Library to Marblehead, was inspired to start the group after enjoying similar events at other libraries. As a crocheter, she found it difficult to connect with others who shared her interest, so she decided to bring the craft group to Marblehead.
“I love meeting new people in the group and I love our repeat attendees. We have a little core group, but we always get new people too,” Donoghue said.
Sue Kummis, a local attendee, shared why she joined the craft group. “My friend and I were retired when the group started at the interim library location,” Kummis explained. “We thought, ‘Let’s give it a chance.’ She brought her crocheting, I brought my coloring because I don’t crochet or knit. I met some really nice people and have been coming ever since.” Kummis has been a part of the group for about two years.
Donoghue and the Abbot Library continue to welcome newcomers to the group, offering a space to meet new people and share common interests.