Monroeville library prepping for cozy, handmade fundraiser

The biannual Cozy Up to the Library fundraiser began in 2014 with handmade, donated blankets and quilts in celebration of the library’s 50th anniversary – although back then it was known as “Blanket the Library.”

“That year, all of the items were donated to local charities,” Friends of the Monroeville Public Library President Diane Lindsey said. “But so many people kept asking if they could buy them, a new fundraiser was formed.”

This year, Friends are asking for cozy, wearable handmade items such as hats and scarves, and gift items such as tote bags and crocheted stuffed animals.

Many library patrons have already begun prepping by utilizing the library’s fabric bank. Located in front of the Maker Lab, the Fabric Bank provides a place for patrons to donate or use yarn, fabric and sewing supplies.

Library volunteer Marie Arnstein got a head start and has already made 10 hats for the event. Arnstein loves crocheting owl, polar bear and snowman hats; she also enjoys cross-stitching, crocheting and quilting.

“Two years ago, the Friends of the Library sponsored a wonderful event, and I had such a wonderful time shopping,“ Arnstein said. “When this year’s version of the event was announced, I wanted to be part of it.”

Arnstein worked at a library for 16 years. “I know that you can never have enough fundraising,” she said.

Erin Garstka said the Monroeville Public Library was her favorite place to visit as a child.

“Now that I’m older, I feel called to give back to my community,” Garstka said. “And the library, which has given so much to me, remains close to my heart.”

Garstka’s love of embroidery began at an early age. “I learned to sew simple embroidery before I ever learned to read,” she said.

As a young girl, Garstka’s mom, a waitress, would save her tip money and buy fabric; Garstka would help her mom make school clothes for herself and her sisters.

Along with Arnstein, Garstka is a member of the Cross Stitch Club at the senior center, where they create memory bears for family members whose loved ones have passed away. Garstka also makes bereavement gowns out of old wedding dresses and sews stockings to send to military personnel overseas.

“If you’re a creative person, one thing leads to another,” Garstka said.

She began contributing to the library’s tea fundraiser last year by creating aprons and bookbags.

“A retired occupational therapist, I continue to enjoy the creativity of working with my hands,” she said. “I love taking raw material and making it into something useful.”

Garstka utilizes cross-stitch kits, quilted squares, thread, buttons and patterns from the fabric bank. She plans to create at least 25 pieces for this year’s fundraiser.

“I just feel so blessed to live in this community and to meet so many talented and giving people,” Garstka said. “For me, it’s very fulfilling. It’s a labor of love. It brings me joy.”

Friends hope others will consider sharing their talents and take advantage of the Fabric Bank to make items to donate. The library has sewing machines, quilting rulers and loom knitting kits that patrons can borrow.

“The fabric bank is wonderful. There’s fabric, yarn and notions (accessories) and there’s always something different,” Arnstein said. “It’s kind of amazing. Plus, you’re helping to reduce the impact on the environment.”

“I thought, ‘This is wonderful, that I’m able to make something with the materials donated,’ ” Garstka said. “And the person who donated the items knows that they were used and appreciated.”

There is still plenty of time to donate, but Friends are hoping patrons will consider getting started early.

Donations will be accepted in the Gallery Space from Nov. 15-25. Donation forms with more information are located on the Friends’ bulletin board inside the library’s front entrance.

Donors also have the option of designating unsold items to local charities. In 2023, Friends provided hand-knit baby blankets to the First Baptist Church of Monroeville as part of their diaper distribution program. They plan to donate unsold baby blankets to the church again this year and plan to find good homes for the other pieces as well.

Cozy Up to The Library will have an opening reception from 5 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 6. The free event will include a Winter Market with local vendors, a cookie table and more. Some pieces will be available for immediate purchase from Dec. 1-19, while others will be part of a silent auction with bids being taken from Dec. 1-12.

For questions, visit monroeville library.org/friends-of-the-library.html or email monroevillelibrary friends@gmail.com.