An Artistic April at Oxford Public Library

The Oxford Public Library will celebrate an Artistic April with a series of arts-and-crafts-themed programs for children and adults. 

Registration is required for each free event unless otherwise noted.

On April 1 at 6 p.m., the library will host a Knitting Group for patrons ranging in age from seven to ninety-seven. Volunteers Leslie Alexander and Liz Rubino will teach attendees knitting basics in order to create a scarf. Participants must bring their own yarn and knitting needles. It is recommended that beginners bring size 8 or larger wooden needles and double-ply worsted weight yarn. Experienced knitters are welcome, too! 

On April 4 at 4:30 p.m., teens in grades 6-12 can make beaded bracelets. Create a fashionable new accessory to celebrate Spring! This is a Junior Friends of the Library event, but membership is not necessary. Teens are invited to be creative and enjoy time with friends! 

On April 8 at 4:30 p.m., second graders - fifth graders are invited to listen to Magritte's Marvelous Hat, a unique book with surrealist illustrations reminiscent of hidden-picture puzzles. After the story, children will make their own surrealist drawings! 

On April 11 at 4:30 p.m., second graders - fifth graders can attend Give Yourself Goosebumps: Welcome to the Wicked Wax Museum! Embark on an interactive adventure about spooky wax art as the librarian reads aloud a choose-your-own-ending book from the master of creepy stories R. L. Stine. 

On April 15 at 5 p.m., kindergartners - second graders can celebrate Poetry Month at a read-aloud of Bubble Gum, Bubble Gum by Lisa Wheeler. Stay to practice blowing gum bubbles! 

On April 17 at 10:30 a.m., the Oxford Public Library will host the social event of the season: its fifth annual Precious Prom for toddlers -second graders. This year's special performer will be Mr. Gym, an energetic musician whose songs will encourage children to boogie down! Participants are encouraged to dress in formal attire. 

On April 18 at 4:30 p.m., children of all ages are invited to make their own Comic Strips! 

On April 25 at 5 p.m., children of all ages can create Picasso Pictures during an introduction to cubism. 

On April 26 at 12:30 p.m., homeschoolers in kindergarten through fifth grade are invited to make Artist Trading Cards, baseball-card sized works of art that can be shared with friends. 

On April 29 at 6 p.m., the library will host a Fiber Arts Night. Patrons of all ages are invited to bring along works-in-progress as well as completed crafts. Share what you've been working on: knitting, crocheting, felting, latch-hooking, weaving, cross-stitching or any other fiber craft! Participants are invited to bring along a small batch of a favorite baked good to fuel creativity! Warm beverages will be provided. 

Craft Day is held every Monday at 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. This month's crafts include April Fool's Mini Dirt Parfaits on April 1, Pompom Cherubs on April 8, Airplane Keychains on April 15, Earth Day Flowers on April 22 and Sun Catcher Necklaces on April 29. Free crafts are appropriate for children in grades preK-5. No registration is required. Instead, crafts are distributed on a first come, first served basis.

The library hosts several regular storytimes per week. Early Bird Stories, for children of all ages, are held on Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Babies & Books, a stories-and-songs program for infants – 3 year olds, is held on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Show-and-Tell Storytime is held on Thursdays at 2 p.m., and it will be held on April 3 at 9:30 a.m. and April 24 at 9:30 a.m.. Children of all ages are invited to bring along a special object to show the group! All Ages Storytime is held on Fridays at 10 a.m. No registration is required for storytime events.

For more information or to register for programs, call the Oxford Public Library at 203-888-6944.