April 2022 NLR Library News

April 2022

Argenta Library Open House

Galleries give local artists a place to shine Argenta Library

Meet artist Sydney Rasch and discuss her Battleground Arkansas photography and mixed media sculptures during the Opening Reception and Third-Friday ArtWalk from 5 to 8 p.m. on April 15. The exhibit continues with free admission in the Argenta Library gallery through May 5.

Staff Spotlight

As Argenta Library's Youth Services Coordinator, Beverly really enjoys interacting with kids and making them smile.

She loves sharing her painting, crafting, and creative skills through events for children, teens, and families.

Beverly leads the growing Paint & Sip program each Wednesday afternoon beginning at 3. We supply everything needing for painting, as well as a juice box to enjoy.

She has big plans coming up! Your family will have a chance to meet the Easter Bunny at 4 p.m. on April 14.

Don't miss this perfect photo opportunity at Argenta Library. Beverly hinted that Mr. Bunny has fun surprises in store for us too!

Reader Recommendation Rad Girls Can

by Kate Schatz "This book features 50 women and girls who, before the age of 20, made an impact on the world. The subjects are diverse in race, nationality, and ability, as well as purpose - they are athletes, activists, artists, and more. The title includes such historical figures as Anne Frank, along with contemporary individuals like Yusra Mardini, a Syrian refugee and Olympic swimmer. These are not formal biographies. The book does give suggestions on how to become a changemaker. It’s a great read about empowering young girls and women."

Janet, Laman Library Children's Department

! c i g a M g n i k Ma

By Kevin Newsom, NLR Public Library Communications Specialist

There are so many things you'd love to do, but then there are the obstacles that hold you back. Obstacles of time, money, space, and maybe even someone to show you how to do something are legitimate concerns. How about trying something out to see if you like it before a full financial commitment? What about things you need in the moment but don't want to buy? Those are also reasons we're continuing to develop our Makerspace at Laman Library. If you've got the time, we have the machines and equipment for you to build, make, and try.

It's fun to try new things, and it might even help you make or save money too! We've had library patrons who have started their own business by using our LINC Center for computer access and utilizing our Makerspace. If you're looking for some extra income or a "side-hustle," this may be a great option.

Let's explore some of the tools we have available to you: The Singer sewing machine is very straightforward, and it's a great place to learn.

It's a workhorse though. It allows for some decorative stitches and will do buttonholes.

The Janome is a higher-end machine.

It will sew multiple layers of stitches.

It's great for quilting, making clothes, and sewing larger items.

Exploring the new Makerspace The Pfaff is a specialized machine for larger items. It will do multiple stitch types, alphabets for labels, and buttonholes. It's also perfect for decorative and utility stitching. It works well for items such as quilts, curtains, and more.

You'll also find an AccuQuilt Go! Big Electric Fabric Cutter in the Makerspace. You can use it to cut quilt blocks with up to 6 layers of fabric at once. We have a rotary-cutting table, and we provide sewing notions for your convenience.

The Gemini is for embossing, designing, and adding texture to cards and invitations. It will cut elaborate designs. It can be used with heavy cardstock, vinyl, foils, and fabric.

The Cricut Explore 3 makes advanced cuts with 13 different tools. It can also write, engrave, emboss, and add decorative effects to more than 300 different types of materials.

And yes, there's still more!

Why buy when you can borrow?

Really, no matter what you want to do, we have the tools and supplies you need.

We even have several classes and one-on-one instruction to show you how to use our machines. The Makerspace definitely helps define what we mean when saying the library is more than just books!

Come up to the Laman Library second floor, to explore: Die cutting machines Crafting supplies Crock pots Bread makers Air fryers STEAM backpacks Robotics & coding games Scientific experiments Microscopes Telescopes Specialty-shaped cake pans Cake pedestals

Create the perfect card April 15 - May 8 With the special Mother's Day card making station, you can design a card to celebrate the holiday as you learn to use the different Laman Library Makerspace die-cutting equipment.

Candy molds Cookie cutters Puzzles & board games Car jack Jack stands Portable rescue power pack Auto repair kit Electronic repair kit Drywall repair kit Heat press Laminator Large format printer

Free Fun Happenings in April And the Beat Don't Stop - 50 Years of Hip Hop Dueling DJs, Break Dancing, and Exhibit Launch 5 p.m. on April 7 Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock

Arkansas Department of Agriculture's Free Tree Friday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. on April 15 1 Natural Resource Drive in Little Rock Arkansas Hospice Party at the Plaza 2 - 10:30 p.m. on April 23 Free music and family fun in Downtown Argenta NLR CARES Youth Coalition & NLR Chamber of Commerce Spring Career Fairs Noon - 2 p.m. on April 28 at NLR High School Arena (Upper Level) 3 - 6 p.m. on April 28 at Laman Library, 2801 Orange St. Electronics Recycling Unplugged 7 a.m - 2 p.m. on April 29 & 30 Simmons Bank Arena Parking Lot Arkansas Ballet Presents Live at the Plaza April 29 - May 1 & May 6 - 8 Mixed-repertory performances and education programs Argenta Plaza

HERE'S WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR YOU April 2022