Tammy Taylor has some big plans for the summer. It's not exactly being pool-side; rather, she's making sure other people have fun and learn a little bit during the hot days ahead.
This week, she's wrapping up the first big event for the library. The cupcake decorating contest -- which is taking place at Pineville and the Southwest City locations -- is bringing families together. She's put together prizes for the grand prize winner, as well as first and second runners-up.
The contest is part of the Summer Reading Program events, well underway in both locations.
Taylor, the Adult Program assistant, also is coordinating a series of classes for adults. The feedback, she says, is positive.
The latest class, in which participants utilized their creativity, resulted in an array of colorful, functional bird feeders.
"People really enjoyed it," she said.
Next week, Taylor plans to host a photo scavenger hunt, by having neighbors identify various photos of places around town. Prizes will be awarded. The scavenger hunt will take place at the Pineville location on June 28, and at the Southwest City location on June 29.
In July, the library will feature a large map of the United States with the theme, "Where Have You Been?" Taylor encourages neighbors to take one of the pins provided and identify different areas they've visited. It will be interesting to see where folks have vacationed, lived and visited, she said.
In mid-July, Eden Stewart, the nutrition assistant from the McDonald County Extension Service office, will speak about "Spices and Herbs Around the World."
Her program is scheduled for June 18 at Pineville and on July 20 at the Southwest City location.
Since January, Taylor has been working on hosting the adult-education classes. Word of mouth and other various contacts have helped her carve out a unique offering of classes.
"When I have a class, I question everyone, 'Do you know of anyone who has a special skill?'"
From those inquiries, Taylor has tapped into a host of people who are interested in volunteering to share their knowledge.
This fall, Taylor plans to host classes featuring pumpkin painting, candy making and beginning quilting.
"It's really word of mouth," Taylor said, "and people volunteer to help."
General News on 06/22/2017