Janesville Library session focuses on reading for adults

During an adult-oriented instructional class at the Janesville Public Library the evening of Monday, Nov. 3, participants created “To Be Read” (TBR) jars, a project intended to encourage reading and to hopefully inspire as many people as possible into literature related topics.

 

Before the class there had been a group of children with their mother inside the library, four of them, there was a pile of books at least a foot high on the counter being gathered up into reusable bags. Once the children had gotten the books they wanted, momma scooted them outside to the car. After that, the library was empty for a few minutes before 5 p.m., when the class was supposed to begin.

 

Michelle Hollermann indicated a medium-sized, white cardboard box, the contents of which included pint-sized jars. She described, “We have stencils and paint markers for drawing by hand, whatever decoration you want on your jars we probably have it.” The jars had black screw-on lids. There were baggies of stencils with various shapes that could be applied to the sides of the jars. One image in particular looked like liquid was dripping down; another looked like a heart, another like a bleeding heart.

 

She explained the intent of the project: Once participants decorate their jars in the desired style, they are invited to fill them with slips of paper naming titles of books, or with prompts or themes or challenges. “Read a book with an animal on the cover” or “Read a book published from the year you were born.” There were even some controversial prompts like, “Read a book that’s been banned or challenged in the past” or “Read a book about politics.” Hollerman explained the prompts give readers an excuse, (if they need it) to read a book they might not otherwise pick up and read. Or if one wanted to use a simpler approach, they could just put the titles of the books themselves in the jar, whatever excuse that is needed to pick up a book, use it!

 

The next adults only class at the Janesville library will take place on Nov. 25 at 6 p.m.

Learn techniques to create beautiful greeting cards. Register at the library or at wasecalesueurlibraries.com/getregistered.