Beginning July 3, the library is hosting bi-weekly sewing workshops for Columbia students every second and fourth Thursday through the end of August. The first sewing workshop will be from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the west boiler room on the 4th floor at 624 S. Michigan Ave.
The sewing workshops are organized by the library’s Programming, Exhibits and Promotions team. Jennifer Sauzer, head of Access Services and Assessment for the library and also the leader of the PEP team, said the workshops are designed for all skill levels.
“The sewing circle is not the same Groundhog Day event over and over again, but rather to look to start with technique,” Sauzer said. “You can come in and first 30 minutes and learn a new skill. ‘You’ve never worked with seed beads? You’ve never crocheted?’ Great. We’re going to dive on in.”
These workshops began this past spring semester as an outlet for creative expression of fabric arts. Students who were unable to practice their fabric skills during class time or at home used the sewing circle as an outlet to do so.
The spring sessions were such a success that the PEP team decided to continue holding workshops throughout the summer as well.
Sauzer said that the PEP team takes a calculated approach to how they craft all of their student events.
“When we frame all of our programming, we look at three rings. We look at what we have in the library to make people aware of, what’s happening on campus and what the campus resources are and we look in Chicago and some international,” Sauzer said. Our success is not about us doing something, but making sure that students know about it.”
Sauzer is now working with IT services to develop online programming to make sewing circles and events more accessible for students who do not spend a lot of time at the library.
Hannah Holland Rutledge, a senior animation major, is a student worker at the library and a member of the PEP team. Although her focus is in visual arts, Rutledge said her fabrication hobbies connect her to workshops.
According to Rutledge, the sewing circle is “not just about sewing, it’s about all forms of fabrication.”
“I’m more on the knitting and crochet side, so while my major is animation, being able to knit and crochet and have that space really allows me to be creative, but not feel overwhelmed by anything,” Rutledge said. “Sewing circle focuses on work-life balance and having a creative outlet.”
Rutledge said that it is vital for the library to host events over the summer because it helps keep students connected not only to Columbia but also to the city of Chicago.
“I feel like the library encourages students to really get out there, understand what Chicago is, and still have a hub for community, even when some people are gone,” Rutledge said.
Although the library is primarily known as a place to do research or access books, the staff also prioritizes providing a space for the campus community to unwind and create. In addition to the sewing circle, the library hosts monthly Zine Nights for the student body to connect and de-stress.
For Rutledge, the library is more than just a place to study and find resources.
“I think the library is a very calming, informative and creative place. One thing I’ve really loved about being here is that I feel like there’s so much freedom of expression. This encouragement to try new things that I really want to embrace,” Rutledge said.
Staff and faculty members are also encouraged to use the library. Brendan Riley, an associate professor in the School of Communication and Culture, said he relies on many of the library’s resources for academic and personal development.
“I use the library a fair amount. I’ve had a couple of days where I did most of my faculty work at the library instead, because there’s computers to use, and it’s quiet,” Riley said.
Riley is also the faculty advisor for the Board Game Club and has used the library as a space to host meetings for several years now. “That started out in part, just looking for a space that students had easy access to in the evenings,” Riley said. “It’s been really good as a meeting space.”
This summer, the library is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Copy edited by Vanessa Orozco
