Library art projects to begin in time for Valentine's Day

Such art projects will be held twice a month as part of the new series, which was inspired by patron interest in handmade holiday decorations that library staff made and raffled during the library's open house in December.

"We have two or three people on staff who have an art degree or are trained in art," said library director Julie Maruskin. "So we decided â?¦ we would have bi-monthly arts and crafts for adults, sort of like story time for children."

Class instructors aren't limited to library staff.

"We recently found out one of our patrons is a champion knitter," Maruskin said. "None of us can knit, and knitting is such a big deal. If you look at Amazon.com, literally half the arts and crafs books published in the last year is about it. It's become a real trend."

Regular knitting classes are being planned.

Doll making and vintage-style ornaments (Want to make a â??chenille chicken'?) are also on the roster of craft classes, which are free and open to the public. They'll take place twice a month, on alternating Thursdays and Saturdays. An exact schedule has yet to be determined.

To register for Thursday's class or for more information about the art project series, call the library at 744-5661 or visit www.clarkpublib.org.