Exeter Library plans youth craft fair on Dec. 2
The Exeter Public Library has partnered with Matthew’s Wish, Tri County Community Action, as well as the Exeter Social Services Department for the annual Youth Craft fair that will be held on Saturday December 2nd from 11am to 2pm. Crafters will have tables with their goods set up inside the Exeter Public Library; hot chocolate and cookies will also be made available to shoppers to add a festive touch to the atmosphere.
During last year’s event 526 people attended the library despite the rainy weather. The hosts are expecting a similar turnout this year, if not more attendees. In previous years there was a constant flow of traffic throughout the library as shoppers inspected products made by local youths that included bracelets, paintings, bookmarks, and ornaments.
Tien Tran, the library director, said that the “kids are talented and put a lot of effort into their crafts” resulting in beautiful creations that can serve as holiday gifts. He also expressed how thankful he is to have the youth services director, Beth Robinson, facilitating the event. She has also been sharing daily posts on the Exeter Public Library’s Facebook page featuring crafts created by the vendors.
Robinson expressed that she enjoys “planning this event and the enthusiasm of all our young crafters and their families. We have some very talented young people in our town who create everything from beaded bracelets to hand sewn creations, to paintings, ornaments, and baked goods. Kids really like having an opportunity to show off their artwork and take pride in what they have created. I think it also teaches them valuable skills like product display, marketing, setting prices, basic money math as well as customer service salesmanship. I feel as though these are not things that kids are taught in school, so it is important for them to have the opportunity to do it here.”
There is no fee for the artists to participate and the tables are all provided. The library enjoys being able to support families and providing an “opportunity to bring the community together.”
Tien expressed that it is a “really good partnership” between the library, social services department, and Matthew’s Wish as it allows for more promotion for the youth crafters as well as for the holiday drive itself as people arriving to donate will also take time to peruse the local crafts. Tran said that he is always thrilled by the amount of donations the town collects and said that the “town’s giving spirit” is often reflected during drives and events supporting the youth.
Matthew’s Wish, Tri County Community Action, and the Social Service Department will be holding a holiday drive for products for teens and preteens during this year’s event. Donations can include hoodies, sports related items, socks, small electronics, and accessories such as headphones, and activity sets. Donations will be presented to children ages thirteen to eighteen. Jessica DeMartino, the Social Services Director, said that they “hope to fill the back of a rescue vehicle with gifts and that Salon Stella will also be collecting stocking stuffers for teens.” She has also created an Amazon Wish List for possible donations for the teens and this can be found on the Exeter Department of Social Service’s Facebook Page. This age group has been selected as the recipients because it is often forgotten during holiday donation drives.
The State Troopers as well as a K-9 Compassion dog will also be present to celebrate the giving season!
Manuel Andrews has also been in contact with Santa, and he will arrive spreading holiday cheer as well! Ring in the holiday season with your friends at the Exeter Public Library and help encourage local youth.