Lily Tomlin’s witty one-liner might make you chuckle, but it also reveals something deeper: libraries may not be known for glamour, but they’re bursting with creativity and community spirit. That spirit was on full display recently at the St. Peter Public Library when COMPAS Teaching Artist Shakun Maheshwari led a workshop on henna painting, transforming the library into a vibrant cultural hub.
Libraries are not just repositories of books (although books are AMAZING!). They’re where people come together to connect, learn, and grow. Shakun’s henna workshop showed how libraries can bridge cultural gaps, giving people a chance to experience and appreciate different traditions firsthand. Participants learned not just about the art of henna but also about its rich history and meaning in Indian culture—something you just don’t get from a quick online search.
During the workshop, Shakun had a group of teenagers absolutely captivated. “They were totally quiet!” she says. And let’s be honest, that’s not the typical reaction you expect from a bunch of teenagers. “They’re never quiet when you’re teaching art,” she adds, amused. “But they were just fascinated watching me make the designs. They loved it.”
Librarian Brenda McHugh noticed the same thing. She attributes their calm focus to Shakun’s “calmness and patience with the kids. They really responded to her leadership and enjoyed the class.”
Libraries: the heart of creative connection
Programs like this are more important than ever. With everything that’s been going on in the world, people are looking for ways to reconnect, and creative programs offered in public spaces offer a unique way to bring folks together. Libraries are the perfect place for this, serving as welcoming spaces where everyone can come in, feel at home, and discover something new. A recent study even showed that there’s a strong demand for arts and creativity programs in libraries—they help build vibrant, creative communities.
People who attend COMPAS workshops often describe them as transformative. It’s not just about learning to paint or draw; it’s about diving into new cultures, sharing stories, and building connections. As one participant put it, “It wasn’t just about learning to paint or draw; it was about understanding the stories behind every stroke.
A creative comeback for libraries
Many libraries are still working to bring people back, especially after the pandemic. That’s where COMPAS comes in. Our Teaching Artists, like Shakun, bring stories to life for kids, lead hands-on workshops for teens, and offer creative activities for adults, all designed to get people excited about coming back to their local library.
Libraries as beacons of hope
In challenging times, libraries stand as beacons of hope and resilience, where creativity ignites connections, stories bridge divides, and communities find the strength to face the world together. They remind us that no matter what we face, we are never alone when we gather to create, learn, and grow.
COMPAS collaborates with libraries and museums across Minnesota to bring dynamic, interactive creative experiences to communities. From creative writing and music workshops to visual arts and dance performances, COMPAS teaching artists are making creative experiences and arts education accessible to everyone. Learn more about how we can bring meaningful creative experiences to your library, museum, business, organization, school, or community center here.
