The Hardwood Creek Library, located at 19955 Forest Road North in Forest Lake, is rolling out a series of artistic and educational events this February that cater to various age groups. Its doors will be closed temporarily on Monday, Feb. 19, in observance of Presidents Day, but will welcome patrons back the following day.
On Wednesdays from 3 to 5:30 p.m., the Family Art Cart offers creative crafts suitable for children ages six and up, accompanied by caregivers. According to the library's announcement, "The art cart brings a self-guided craft to the children's area each week." These projects are specifically designed to inspire kids to use their imagination and creativity.
Teens aren’t left out of the picture, with a Teen Art Cart session available every Thursday from 2:30 to 4 p.m., purposed for those aged 11 to 18. The library provides a space where teens can engage in self-directed crafts, nurturing their creative talents in the process.
Adults interested in horticulture can participate in the Native Plant Winter Sowing event on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. This session, hosted in collaboration with the Washington County Master Gardeners, offers patrons an in-depth look into the winter sowing method for native perennials. Attendees are encouraged to carry, along with any native plant seeds they have already, two repurposed plastic containers like milk jugs for creating their own mini-greenhouses.
The library will also feature a special children's music performance, as the "Rap, Rock, and Read with Miss Nina" event takes center stage on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Miss Nina’s performance promises an interactive session filled with movement and engagement for children up to age five.
Closing out the month, teens have the unique opportunity to delve into "Gyotaku Fish Printing" on Tuesday, Feb. 27, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. "Gyotaku" is a traditional Japanese art form that involves printing with real fish, a technique rooted in capturing the accurate size of anglers' catches. Participants at this library event will create their own prints using rubber replicas of fish and other marine creatures.
