On this next creative library adventure, I visited the Myers Park Library for an Arts & Crafts Drop-in experience. Normally, I’m used to booking an art event where you have to stay for the full 2 hour timeframe, so, it was really nice to have the option of how early or how late I could leave the event for a change.

Myers Park is a quaint library tucked away behind forest greenery. Unless you are looking for it, you might pass it by. It’s smaller  than other libraries in the city, but that’s  part of its beauty. For folks who lean more towards the introverted side, or anyone who needs an intimate environment that feels less crowded, a smaller library can feel safer, more welcoming, and more inviting.

This was Myers Park’s first hosting an event like this, and for a first attempt, I was pleasantly impressed. They had  four different activity stations that you could dip in and try out with detailed, yet simple instructions for each one, which made it feel less intimidating, especially if it was someone's first library experience. The two activities that I partook in were Button Making and a Bug Repellent Station.

Okay…so, ever since I went through Yoga teacher training, I have been so scared to kill bugs. I mean, seriously, I just don’t have the heart to do it anymore, like I used to. Now, if it’s a giant spider ready to eat me alive, I’ve got that bug spray on the ready. But in training, we were taught to be one with nature and have respect for all living things, which has made me much more considerate and intentional with my choices and interactions with the earth. So imagine my excitement when I stepped into the library for the drop-in and saw a DIY Natural bug repellent station! Like what?! How cute.

The bug repellent spray was so fun and easy to make, plus it smells amazingggg, and it doesn’t hurt the bugs in any way. It was such a beautiful curated spread, paired with culturally relevant and Indigenous herbal focused book recommendations as well. (Of course I’ll pin all the goodies down below so you can recreate the spray and check out the books at your local library. 😉)

I don't know about you, but stickers always bring out my inner child. It doesn't matter how old I get, I will always get giddy about some stickers, especially themed around the activity. So, I got to add my own little insect sticker flair to my completed insect spray. And best believe your girl made two bottles, which both fit perfectly into my mini purse for on-the-go travel.

Next on the station’s docket was the cutest button maker station centered around community, advocacy, and liberation. They provided us with a full sheet of phrases we could draw from for inspiration, or we could write our own onto our buttons. I chose to write my own phrase, “Having Fun isn’t Hard When You Have a Library Card”, which I thought was probably the most iconic and only important phrase to do, in my humble opinion. Shoutout to the OG PBS Kids. It ended up turning into a magnet instead of a button due to a slight button maker machine malfunction, but the process of creating the button was really the fun part. Plus, I’m more of a magnet girlie anyway. I think that's the beauty of it all, simply enjoying the process and seeing where that takes you.

Due to other plans I had to leave shortly after, so I didn’t have enough time to venture to the other two stations like I would've wanted, but that’s what next month’s drop in is for 😏. Nonetheless, I still had an enjoyable time as always, amongst community, laughing, and tapping into that hands-on creative side that I love. And of course, checking out another selection of books to add to the roster. 

I hope is that you creative folks get out the house and find a creative event to do in support of your local library, but also your mental health. During these times, your creativity is what is needed the most.

Until next time, my creative library baddies 💗. 

DIY Natural Insect Repellent Recipe 

1. Add ½ teaspoon of witch hazel to the bottle using a funnel.
2. Drop in 10 drops each of lavender and lemongrass oils.
3. Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water, leaving a little room at the top.
4. Cap and shake gently.
5. Add a label with ingredients and date.
6. Decorate with stickers!
7. Demonstrate use: Spray on clothing, wrists, and ankles. Avoid face.

Book Recommendations

1. Motherland Herbal – The Story of African Holistic Health by Stephanie Rose Bird 
2. The Plant Hunter: a scientist’s Quest for Nature’s Next Medicines by Cassandra Leah Quave 
3. Held by the Land – a Guide to Indigenous Plants for Wellness by Leigh Joseph

⭐⭐⭐