On October 24th we will celebrate Sarah Josepha Hale’s 235th birthday by starting the “Keep Newport Warm” project.
This year there are two ways to get involved: As we did last year, Community members can help to make a scarf for the SJH statue displayed in front of the library. Just bring a piece of work measuring 8 inches on one side to the front desk of the library. Contributions will be joined together by a volunteer. The scarf will go around the Sarah Josepha Hale statue on Wednesday, the 22nd of November, in time to honor her for Thanksgiving. A volunteer will place it up in the evening with a sign explaining the project. The scarf will stay up until snow flies, and be down before the new year.
New this year is an opportunity to honor Sarah by giving back. The Library will be collecting handmade woolens to be donated to the food pantry in Newport. So, calling all knitters, weavers, and crochet artists! If you have handmade hats, mittens, scarves, or other winter woolens that you would like to contribute, you can bring them to the library to make sure that they get into the hands of those in need.
Need some yarn to get started? Check at the library for a free skein, donated by a generous crafts-person.
When community members contribute, they will be asked to fill out a card with their contact information, and given the option to sign up for the library newsletter, or to be contacted for more information about the knitting group.
We hope to continue Sarah’s legacy of industriousness, charitable giving, caring for the young and needy, and coming together as a community on our national day of thanks.
