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The Goats of Kingsport
Summertime is winding down, but it’s still hot outside. That means there’s no better time to find some fun, educational activities to enjoy indoors, in the comfort of air-conditioning! The Kingsport Public Library offers a variety of options for kids, teens, and adults to “check out” as we look forward to cooler weather.
Make fun crafts in the Maker Space
The library’s Maker Space is home to several high-tech machines like a 3D printer, a Cricut die-cutter, a laminator, and more. Schedule a time to use these tools Monday through Thursday between 9 a.m. and 6:45 p.m. or Friday and Saturday between 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. Call 423-224-2539 to make an appointment to use the machines or to set up a one-on-one training session with a staff member.
The Maker Space’s Ultimaker 2+ 3D printer is available for use by library cardholders in good standing who are at least 16 years old. To use the machine, take your print file to the library staff on a USB flash drive in .STL format. A staff member will print your job within a few days to a week as their print queue allows. Cost is just $1 per item plus 15 cents per gram of filament used. Call 423-224-2539 to learn more or download the detailed 3D printer policy.
The Maker Space also features a Cricut Air 2 die-cutting machine that can be used to cut vinyl stickers, heat-transfer vinyl, paper, cardstock, and fabric to make a variety of custom DIY projects. You can also use their 12×12 cutting mats, Cricut tools, hot press, and Cricut Design Studio software. Bring your own materials to use the Cricut and Cricut Design Studio for free or buy materials at the Maker Space. Come by on August 17 at noon to watch a Cricut demo and receive a coupon for a free design.
An AccuCut Mark IV Die Cut machine and 100 steel-rule dies are available for use in the Maker Space as well. This machine can be used to cut shapes from paper for crafting, education, and stationery. The steel-rule dies come in various shapes, including plants, animals, space objects, and a full alphabet. Use the machine for free by bringing your own paper materials.
Make pin-back buttons and magnets using printer paper with the library’s American Button Maker Machines and the Maker Space computer to search for images and designs. Cost is 25 cents per button and 50 cents per magnet.
Use the library’s 9-inch-wide Mead Cold Seal roll laminator to apply protective film to printed items – cost is just 5 cents per inch of length laminated. Another fun project is to make guitar picks out of plastic cards, like old rewards cards or gym passes. Bring your own plastic materials to use the library’s guitar pick punch machine for free.
On August 31st at noon, watch a knitting loom demo at the Maker Space – you can also borrow a loom from the Library of Things and receive free yarn while supplies last! The Library of Things also offers lawn games like horseshoes and a spikeball set that cardholders can borrow free for 7 days, as well as balls for sports, training cones, embroidery hoops, easels, garden tools, and more.
Take the little ones to storytime
Preschool Storytime is held Tuesday mornings at 10:30 for 3- to 5-year-olds, and Time for Twos Storytime is held Thursday mornings at 10:30 for 2- to 3-year-olds. All social distancing guidelines will be observed; limited to 20 people total per storytime. Masks are recommended. And on August 22nd at 5:30 p.m., preschool and young elementary-age children can enjoy a free Pop-Up Storytime at Ridgefields Park, 601 Chippendale Road! Bring a blanket or camp chairs for seating.
Fun stuff for teens
The library offers a Nintendo Switch and computers set up to play retro arcade games and Roblox. Teens in 6th through 12th grade are encouraged to come by for Teen Gaming Hour at 4 p.m. August 18th to play Super Mario Kart, Super Smash Bros, Splatoon, and more!
On August 29th, the library will host Anime Craft Night in the auditorium at 5:30 p.m. The theme will be Demon Slayer and One Piece; all supplies will be provided.
Let’s talk about books
The library’s After Hours Book Club offers an opportunity to participate in lively book discussions while enjoying a picnic (bring your own food and blanket) in the shade at Glen Bruce Park. On August 25th at 6 p.m. the book to be discussed will be “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson; on September 22nd at 6 p.m. the topic will be “The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, the club will meet in the library’s auditorium.
Keep an eye on the library’s events calendar for new and exciting events as they’re scheduled, and follow them on Facebook!