After having to cancel or modify most of its events last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gloucester County Public Library is making a return to in-person programs, most notably adult programs.
“It’s an important place for adult members of the community,” said Lisa Thomas, Adult Programs Coordinator, about the library.
The library’s mission is to promote reading, foster lifelong learning and to provide information, educational and cultural resources to citizens of the Gloucester community. “It’s a safe place for people to come and interact and get exposed to new ideas,” said Thomas.
Thomas said library programs are just as important for adults as they are for children. Library programs for adults have included book clubs, educational programs, guest speakers (Fairfield Foundation, Gloucester Master Gardeners, etc.), tai chi, crafts and even theme nights.
“The Walking Dead,” “Game of Thrones” and the “Roaring ’20s” have been fun theme nights that the library has hosted just for adults. Thomas said that tonight’s scheduled theme night, which will focus on the hit ’90s sitcom “Friends,” has already reached maximum capacity.
“The library is so much more than just checking out a book,” said Thomas.
During the pandemic, the library started “The Library Kitchen” where a culinary student from Rappahannock Community College shows viewers how to make various dishes. The library is planning to continue the online cooking show even though it is returning to in-person programs. The episodes can be viewed on the Gloucester County YouTube channel.
On Sept. 1, the library will have its first “Yum Yum Cookbook Club” meeting. The club will have a different food theme every month and members will share samples of their creations each meeting. The club meets on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. Registration is currently underway for the club.
“People like to eat and like to cook,” said Thomas about the inspiration for the club.
More events for adults specifically, as well as family events, are anticipated to be scheduled for later this year.
“It’s just so much fun to learn something new,” said Thomas.