be here now feature

be here now feature

BE HERE NOW

Calling all makers, doers, dreamers, and creatives

The Library has what you need for this moment of now

by Rebecca Kramer, Manager of South Branch

I’ve always been a dabbler, a jack of all trades, someone curious about the possibilities. One of my favorite ways to make a day a little brighter is to dab in a little bit of a hobby — a touch of yoga here, a spot of embroidery there, a dash of photography for good measure. I’m not necessarily good or experienced or making a profit at any of these things, and that’s the point. All of those activities are for fun — a moment where I don’t need to be productive, where the outcome isn’t the point, and nobody is proclaiming whether it’s worthy of my time. It’s about the experience of now, with curiosity leading the way and maybe meeting some fun people along the journey. Does this sound like you?

Want to try jewelry making but don’t want to invest in all the tools needed before you try it? Perfect. Want to learn how to podcast but you want help so you don’t get lost along the way? Understood. Have you tried meditation on your own and couldn’t stay on track? Same. Are you ready to expand beyond the boundaries of the last two years and be around other makers, doers, dreamers, and creatives? 

“I see in my adult clients that, somewhere along the way, they’ve decided they aren’t creative, but that is not true!”

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Above: Dozens of weekly free classes provide a convenient, low-risk, no-cost way to experiment with a new or revisited hobby. With classes at multiple locations on different days and times, even the busiest schedules can be accommodated.

Programs for adults at the Library might be just what you need right now. Dozens of weekly free classes across the community provide a convenient, low-risk, no-cost way to experiment with a new or revisited hobby. With everything from making bath bombs to playing board games and learning to cook over a fire, there’s something for everyone. And with classes at multiple locations on different days and times, even the busiest schedules can be accommodated.

The program instructors, such as Michelle “Vod” Atkinson of Vod’s Here!, love to help people tap into their creativity.

“Vod’s Here! — as a business and a personal mantra — is all about being here; tapping into your creative energy and enjoying the process, rather than focusing solely on the end product,” said Atkinson. “I see in my adult clients that, somewhere along the way, they’ve decided they aren’t creative, but that is not true! If you can drop the expectation of what the finished product is supposed to look like, you break the judgments that you placed on yourself, and you can begin to find that creative spark.”

Vod will be teaching the Tropical Poms jewelry-making classes with Lindsay Williams of Avert Adornments at ten Library locations this summer. Other creative programs include Personalize a Mug, Metal Crafts and More, Learn How to Podcast, and Bath Bombs and Sugar Scrubs. 

be here now books

Above: Expand your horizons with one of 25 Library book groups featuring numerous genres and locations. Find your favorite at toledolibrary.org/book-groups.

You can also fuel your creative spirit with an intentional focus on your health and well-being. Courtney with Transient Yoga will kindly guide you to serenity. Chi Kung with Mental and Physical Health and Well Being along with Michael Lang of Lang Fitness and Health will teach you to focus on breathing techniques in coordination with gentle movement. 

After finding inner peace, connect with the outdoors. Metroparks Toledo will teach you how to start a campfire and cook a delicious meal over it. (Sounds like perfect prep for that summer camping trip I have planned and I might just level up from s’mores.) Then while we’re appreciating the outdoors, let’s take care of it too with the Correct Recycling workshop with Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful. 

To keep that learning momentum going, let’s delve into the Library’s numerous book groups. Romance? Check. Books AND movies? Check. Books with a side of wine? Check. Nonfiction? Check. Book group close to you? Check. One where you can bring the kids so you can attend? Check. More than I could possibly list here? Check. 

One of the most rewarding things about reading a book is broadening your horizons and book groups take that a step further. 

“Studies indicate that those with more active social lives are twice as likely to outlive those who lead solitary lives. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that our social lives can more accurately predict life expectancy than our dietary and exercise habits.”

Ayla Beaussejour, faithful book group attendee, said, “Book group is the highlight of my month. I can think of nothing I would like to do more than to read and talk about reading! Hearing the opinions and perspectives of other attendees can be both fun and challenging, and almost always sparks a deeper conversation.”

These classes and book groups are also a great way to make new friends. Studies indicate that those with more active social lives are twice as likely to outlive those who lead solitary lives. Indeed, there is evidence to suggest that our social lives can more accurately predict life expectancy than our dietary and exercise habits.

There is so much energy in our community right now, and so many possibilities for personal and collective growth and engagement. Our 20 locations are bustling with activity from morning to night to help you connect with this moment.

To make sure you are connected, try our fun Summer Bucket List. You can also stay up-to-date at toledolibrary.org/adult-classes-and-programs for ongoing opportunities. Enjoy!

ARTICLES FROM OFF THE SHELF SUMMER 2022