Leon County librarian Michelle Ray spent quarantine as a crafting machine. Ray, alongside fellow staffers, founded the “Annie Get Your Glue Gun” virtual crafter’s meet-up back in April. The group focuses on one weekly DIY project that upcycles common household items like plastic bags and yarn; participants have made everything from bracelets to wreaths. 

As the library shifts into its summer schedule of programming, Ray says the group will continue to meet on the first and third Saturday of every month. She is looking forward to hosting a class to create homemade beauty products in July, but her favorite craft so far has been tying together pom-poms.

“There is something so gratifying about making these little fluffy yarn balls,” says Ray, who used the pom-poms in one meet-up to make garlands. “We have approached our adult programming with a blend of real, pragmatic topics and things that are relaxing or escapist to give a variety of flavors for our patrons.” 

Before joining in the library system, Ray worked as a professional photographer in a local archive and taught as an art professor. She earned her MFA in book arts and practiced traditional bookbinding and letterpress printing. Ray believes her blended fine arts background has made her both an analytical artist and creative librarian. 

When printmaking, she would often labor over the heavy machinery, adjusting settings and rollers for hours before ink was applied to paper. Similarly, this dedication allows her to dig deep into the creative process, obsessing over the details of any given project and devising new offerings for the community. 

“I love when all the possibilities are wide open and you’re just throwing ideas out there,” says Ray. “All of our programming is made in response to community needs, but there is a part of program creation that’s just brainstorming. I feel like a child when we can creativity think and not have any limitations on our imagination.” 

Ray’s approach to programming mirrors this year’s children and young adult programming theme, “Imagine Your Story.” Though library buildings are open for 50% capacity, all programming is continuing to be offered via Zoom. When coming inside to pick up materials, patrons are asked to wear masks and practice social distancing. 

The library is also continuing to offer curbside pick-up, contact-free, for all materials. Ray says the “Always Open” page on the website contains detailed information on streaming services, databases and how to register for a library card and receive access within minutes. 

“It’s easier now than ever to be a library patron, as we cater to everyone’s levels of how they are able to or wish to interact with the community during the pandemic,” says Ray. 

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