Arts and crafts groups and workshops : Chicago Public Library

A common way for libraries to engage with artists is through programming artist-led arts and crafts workshops for visitors. These can range from one-off events to series or full art courses, and can involve all art disciplines or target any audience group. The Chicago Public Library for example offers The Artist’s Studio sessions for young visitors and family audiences to learn different art-making skills. They work together with the Art Institute of Chicago, who design the activities and run the sessions. The workshops make connections to the books, collections and resources at the library, and finished artworks can be added to the community gallery in the space.

Most public libraries in the UK also offer arts and crafts sessions, although the themes, disciplines, and regularity of the sessions varies widely. The resources made available for such sessions often also determine whether they are taught by library staff or by artists, which in turn might change the shape and focus of the sessions. Sessions might equally be community-led, in cases where the library makes space available for community arts and crafts groups to meet to run their own sessions.