Teens and tweens crowd around the ironing station to iron decals onto t-shirts and tote bags July 2 at the summer reading program at the Jay-Niles Memorial Library in Jay. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

REGION — The Jay–Niles Memorial Library and Treat Memorial Library recently held creative workshops as part of their summer reading programs, blending fun with education and fostering a sense of community.

The Jay–Niles Memorial Library hosted “Creative Expressions with Teens and Tweens,” a hands–on workshop where participants decorated book bags or T-shirts July 2. The event, organized by tween/teen librarian Alexis Burbank, featured a special station for designing decals and printing them. The library provided an array of materials including markers, fabric paint, and irons for applying decals.

The workshop allowed teens and tweens to express their individuality while working together and sharing ideas.

Continuing the creative spirit, on July 6 the Treat Memorial Library in Livermore Falls hosted a workshop focused on making journals from recycled materials. The event, part of the library’s “Read, Renew, Repeat” Summer Reading Program, taught participants how to repurpose items such as old cards, stickers, fabric scraps, stamps, and buttons into personalized journals.

Attendees were encouraged to bring their own “junk” to add a personal touch to their creations, said Alana Knapp, assistant director at Treat Memorial Library. One of the goals of the event was to show that creativity can be sparked from everyday items. It’s about using imagination to see the potential in things people might otherwise throw away, said Knapp.

Treat Memorial Library holds a summer reading program crafting workshop to make journals from recycled materials July 2 in Livermore Falls. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

The Treat Memorial Library’s summer reading program continues with a variety of engaging activities. Upcoming events include an edible terrarium project July 11 at 6 p.m., where participants will make a snackable science project that looks like dirt but is entirely edible.

The Jay–Niles Memorial Library also has a full schedule, including a geology program for children July 8, a visit from Maine author Chris Packard July 9 to discuss his book “Mythical Creatures of Maine,” and an adult summer reading program focused on bird watching in Maine July 10 at 4 p.m.

Both libraries are dedicated to providing a summer filled with stories, creativity, and community spirit.

For more information about the Treat Memorial Library’s events, contact the library at [207] 897–3631 or visit their website.

Dante Roy, age 14, designs this t-shirt July 2 at the Jay-Niles Memorial Library summer reading program for teens and tweens in Jay. Rebecca Richard/Franklin Journal

For more details about the Jay–Niles Memorial Library summer reading program and upcoming events, visit their Facebook page or contact the library at [207] 645–4062.