When library patrons aren’t keeping their hands busy turning the pages of books, many are occupied with another favorite pastime: knitting.
A group of knitters at Plumb Library in Rochester has been especially busy the past few months, but with a good cause in mind. Every year, the group knits items for those in need. In 2010, they knit 185 scarves for soldiers – which required them to follow strict patterns to adhere to military dress code.
This year – they changed the beneficiaries of their knitted creations to preemies and children.
According to Plumb Library Director Gail Roberts, the knitters donated 46 caps for preemies to Charlton Hospital in conjunction with Lakeville Public Library, which also donated some caps. In addition, the group knitted 19 pairs of mittens, 40 hats, 23 scarves, one sweater, and one pair of socks for Gifts to Give in New Bedford, a non-profit organization that collects gently used and new clothing and goods for homeless and at-risk children.
“I told them to go berserk, to do whatever [they] wanted to do. With soldiers you had to be pickier,” Ms. Roberts said.
The library director also said that people have reacted well to the generosity – which happened behind the closed doors of knitters’ homes. Some began knitting as early as last April.
“People think it was a very positive thing to have done,” she said.
About 15 people signed up to participate, but it is impossible to tell the true number of participants as many of the do-gooders opted to remain anonymous.
“They left stuff and took off. They didn’t stay,” she said. “My group tends to want to stay home and do some something in their house.” Ms. Roberts herself knitted five mittens. She said when uninterrupted, the mittens take about one weekend to make.
Already the library knitters are thinking about next year’s theme. Ms. Roberts thinks the groups will create items, such as shawls and blankets, for older residents in nursing homes.
With its latest philanthropy effort wrapping up, the library now is preparing for its Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.
As part of the event, the Friends of Plumb Library are raising money for the library by selling wreaths: 12-inch double sided wreaths without a bow for $11 and with a red bow for $13.
The group now is taking orders for the wreaths – available for pick up at the open house – and forms are available at the library or through its website, www.plumblibrary.com.
The Friends are also seeking items for the Silent Auction: handmade goods, gift certificates, or other items. Call the library at 508-763-8600 for more details.
By Laura Fedak Pedulli