Brandywine Hundred Library revealed the result of their summer-long, community-quilting program on Tuesday. More than 200 library visitors had a hand in completing the project.
The theme for the Delaware Division of Libraries’ 2023 Summer Reading program, “All Together Now” inspired staff to offer activities that library patrons could enjoy as a community. Brandywine Hundred Library launched the quilt project in June and encouraged any library visitors to participate. Patrons of all ages and experience levels contributed by selecting and sewing together three pre-cut strips of colorful fabric, producing a “block” for the final project. A local expert conducted quilting presentations and assisted patrons with the actual sewing, as did library staff. The Friends of the Brandywine Hundred Library sponsored the program and supported the purchase of supplies.
“I applaud the collaborative effort from our patrons, Friends and library staff,” said County Executive Matt Meyer. “These beautiful tapestries really represent what being a community member of New Castle County is all about.”
The goal of 150 blocks was quickly met and exceeded, as increasing numbers of excited patrons added their own pieces to the quilt. Before the end of the planned seven weeks of sewing opportunities, library visitors had sewn enough blocks to produce TWO quilts! The final products include 244 individual blocks and are made of more than fabric; they represent the strength of communities and the ability for all to come together to create something beautiful.
The community quilts will hang in the library, where patrons will be able to see their handiwork, until the quilts are raffled later in the fall.
For more information about this event, contact the library branch manager Renee O’Donnell at [email protected] or 302.477.3150.
For information about the non-profit group, Friends of the Brandywine Hundred Library, visit https://bhlfriends.org/.