Scottsboro Library Focused On Community

<strong>Scottsboro Library Focused On Community</strong>

By Marla Ballard

Reporter

SCOTTSBORO – Book clubs, Dungeons & Dragons, charcuterie board lessons, and kid’s crafting sessions are just a few of the events coming to the Scottsboro Public Library (SPL).

“We want to be a big front porch,” said Jared Dovers, Director of SPL. “The library offers much more than books. We’re a place for all ages to come, plug in, and find community.”

“We really try to have something for everyone,” said Martha Avans, who oversees programming and scheduling. “I hope everyone will come in and see what we have to offer. We’re here to welcome everyone.”

The library has comfortable seating and rooms for small and large group activities. Some activities are hosted by SPL and various events are held at the library while being hosted by outside organizations. 

For school aged children, the library has partnered with IMPACT Learning Center to offer a Virtual Story Time. The activity offers interactive storytelling in the IMPACT Skills on Wheels vehicle and an associated craft in the library. For ages 3-6, the second and fourth Monday of each month is Destination Library Tails, a story time with activities.

Lego lovers will want to check out the Builder’s Afternoon held the last Friday of each month. The activity is for all ages and Legos are provided. Legos projects have to remain on property, but builders are encouraged to take photos of their “masterpieces.”

Adults have multiple ways to get involved. Book clubs meet throughout the month, and a new informal book chat called Page Turner will meet first Tuesday of each month from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

For the more hands-on, there are frequent arts and crafts programs. For February, patrons will learn how to prepare a charcuterie board. Each participant receives a bamboo tray and will leave with a fully created board. 

Yarnies meets two Saturdays of the month. The group crochets, knits, and weaves in a relaxed setting. “While learning a new skill is involved, it’s more about being social,” said Avans. 

Starting in February the library will be hosting Dungeons & Dragons sessions. “Between the popularity of Stranger Things and Critical Role, there’s a lot of interest in role playing games,” said Dovers. SPL will provide a space for kids, teens, and adults to learn about the hobby. 

February will conclude with a celebration on the 28th recognizing the 94th year of the library. “Everyone’s invited to celebrate,” said Dovers. “We’re grateful to be part of a long tradition of serving this community, and we’re excited about what the future holds.”

SPL is located at 1002 South Broad St. Scottsboro. Website – www.scottsborolibrary.org

Hours – Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. 

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