Sunday, February 16, 2025
The East Rockaway Public Library will host a Sustainability Saturday event on Jan. 18 at 2 p.m., offering a creative way for community members to reduce waste while expressing their personal style.
The event, organized by Heather Massa, a librarian at the library, invites attendees to bring in worn clothing or textiles and learn how to repurpose them through simple crafts, such as embroidery and upcycling.
“We want to show people that they can take items that might otherwise end up in the trash and breathe new life into them,” said Massa. “With just a little creativity, they can turn something old into something new, and it’s a great way to reduce waste while having fun.”
The library has long been an advocate for sustainability, offering a variety of programs that encourage the reuse of items and the reduction of waste.
Massa noted that the library allows patrons to borrow non-traditional items like cake pans, metal detectors, and lawn games, and is just one example of how the library is encouraging a more sustainable mindset.
“Libraries have always been places for borrowing, whether it's books, movies, or, now, even things you don’t need to buy. The idea is to take things that are already in circulation, use them, and then return them so someone else can enjoy them,” said Massa.
This Sustainability Saturday workshop will focus on practical, fun ways to revamp clothing.
One of the projects features an alternative to traditional tie-dying, using Sharpie markers and alcohol to create vibrant patterns on fabric, without the need for messy dye baths. Massa said she hopes this easy-to-follow method will encourage people who may have found tie-dye too complicated in the past to give it a try.
“I love showing people how to do things that might seem intimidating but are actually really simple,” said Massa. “Embroidery, for example, is a craft that doesn’t require special skills — just patience and a little creativity. It’s a great way to fix up a favorite item or add a personal touch to something.”
Last summer, the library held a similar event with the tie-dye technique, and while attendance was modest, the feedback was positive.
“It wasn’t an expensive program, and the materials were simple, but people really enjoyed it,” Massa added. “The goal is to continue offering these kinds of events regularly and give people a space to learn, create, and make use of the things they already have.”
The event will be open to individuals of all ages, with a focus on how people can creatively repair or transform their clothing. Massa also mentioned that patches — both fun and functional — will be available for guests to iron on over damaged areas of their garments.
“Kids and teens love this kind of activity, but adults do too,” said Massa. “I would also love a dinosaur patch on a sweater.”
Massa plans to continue hosting seasonal events, offering different craft projects throughout the year. By providing easy, accessible ways for the community to participate in sustainability efforts, the East Rockaway Library aims to foster a deeper understanding of how small actions can collectively make a big difference.
For more information about the Sustainability Saturday event or to register, visit the East Rockaway Public Library’s website: EastRockawayLibrary.org
