By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
Tweens and teens were in for a sweet treat as the Medfield Public Library hosted an After Hours: Stamps and Sweets Party. This program was in partnership with the OUT MetroWest organization who support the youth LGBTQ+ community and their families.
Young adults packed the closed library from 7-9pm to indulge in an array of different snacks, crafts, and treats! The party was spread out between three separate rooms within the bottom floor of the library.
In the Meeting Room, all the main lights were shut off while colorful hanging lights illuminated the space. This is where young ones could make their own ice cream sundaes, listen to music, sing some karaoke, or carve their own custom stamps. Down the hall in the Makerspace, an array of crafts were set up from button making to shrinky dinks. The most popular buttons to make were the pride/pronoun ones.
Upon entering the Teen Space, everyone was welcome to participate in board and card games or some chalkboard art. This chalkboard art space was especially creative as one of the walls within this space was painted with chalkboard paint. Using different paint makers, one could uniquely create whatever they wanted to on the wall for all to see.
Running this fun-filled party was Teen & Reference Librarian, Erica Cote. When asked about the overall event, Cote stated, “This is the second After Hours Party that I have partnered with OUT MetroWest. They are a group that supports LGBTQ+ youth and their families. They do a lot of stuff within the community and partner with libraries a lot. In terms of the party, we didn’t want everyone to be all bunched together so anyone can go to the three different spaces that are set up with crafts and treats. It’s really cool, the kids like it when the library is closed because no one is here so they feel extra special. It has definitely been one of my more popular events that I do. I also have some amazing help from the teen volunteers. They have always been awesome to work with.”
No matter if these young adults wanted to make some crafts, sing some songs, or just hang out with their friends, this After Hours Party was a great success and a super fun time for everyone who attended. The library is always hosting some amazing programs like these. For more information about any upcoming events happening at the Medfield Public Library, please visit their website at www.medfieldpubliclibrary.org.
