Lifestyles, Madison, News, RSS Facebook, RSS General
 By  GreggParker Published 
4:38 pm Monday, January 9, 2012

Ben Franklin gets credit for library’s Thrift Week

Ben Franklin can take the credit for an upcoming event at Madison Public Library.

During Thrift Week on Jan. 17 at 4 p.m., youth services librarian Mandy Pinyan will lead students in making thrifty gifts from recycled material. “We’ll use stuff we already have, even stuff seen as junk, and make something new,” Pinyan said.

While planning winter events, the library staff wanted to honor Franklin. Following his philosophies, they decided on thrifty (free) activities for Madison families.

“Franklin took best advantage of what we already have: time, health, natural resources, possessions and money,” Pinyan said. “Franklin’s favorite terms were ‘industry’ (diligence) and ‘frugality’ (conservation).”

“School-aged children … need to learn early the value of conservation and recycling,” Pinyan said. “By making these ideas fun and using everyday objects, it becomes a tangible task that anyone can do.”

Children like to make people happy, she said, so “the element of altruism is intrinsic.”

“Madison Public Library is a leader in children’s and young adult programming in the library system,” Pinyan said. “Because we’re a busy, thriving library with rich, vibrant programs, we can reach a diverse community audience.”

After discussion time, Pinyan will explain the concept of recycled art. The children can use various materials in a workshop to create unique crafts suitable for thrifty gifts.

For materials, the librarians have been saving scraps from craft days and will use natural materials, like pinecones, acorns and sticks. “We’ll use plastic jugs, bottle caps, scrap paper and paints to sculpt and create anything,” Pinyan said.

For the cause, residents are encouraged to donate items like paper towel rolls, plastic bottles, tempera paints and glue.

“Creativity and ingenuity are key,” Pinyan said about the children using creative engineering.

In previous years, Pinyan has coordinated “Teen Recycled Art Night” to recycle disintegrating books into wreaths, purses, comic mobiles, invisible bookshelves and hollow books. For ideas, Pinyan regularly checks out from craft blogs and DIY sites.

Other Thrift Week events will include family movie night and a couponing session. For more information, call 256-461-0046, send email to mpinyan@hmcpl.org or visit hmcpl.org and Facebook/MPLYouthServices.

Also on The Madison Record
Space Command relocation to Huntsville to bring area growth
A: Main, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
HUNTSVILLE — Officials expect at least 1,400 jobs to be directly added to the north Alabama area with the U.S. Space Command Headquarters permanently ...
Newly elected Madison mayor to depart US Chess role
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Ranae Bartlett was named US Chess Executive Director in 2024
By JOHN HARTMANN US Chess Press 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - It is said that no one can serve two masters. And so US Chess Executive Director Ranae Bartlett is trading Caïssa for the people of Madison,...
Triana Fire Department train for medical helicopter operation
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
TRIANA – Firefighters who work in Triana Fire Department recently accomplished a new milestone in their training to serve and protect their town. On-s...
Itty Bitty Bakers sweetens the community with classes
Madison County Record, News, The Madison Recor, ...
By KADIE TAYLOR news@themadisonrecord.com 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Sweeten your day, Itty Bitty Bakers offers baking classes for locals, from 18 months to adults. Itty Bitty Bakers owner Kayla Johnson has be...
Madison Visionary Partners to host Gather Madison, volunteers needed
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
EVENTS
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – In its premiere in 2025, the Gather Madison event will unite residents of all backgrounds at one long table for a free, shared meal in the s...
Kids to Love to go “Over the Edge” for children in foster care Sept. 19-20
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Staff Reports 
September 10, 2025
MADISON - Bold, compassionate individuals will be going “Over the Edge” for Kids to Love during a thrilling two-day fundraiser where participants rapp...
The Madison Street Festival is less than a month away
Events, Madison County Record, News, ...
Gregg Parker 
September 10, 2025
MADISON – The first Saturday in October. That’s the day Madison residents turn out to visit with friends and neighbors, promote school groups, shop fo...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *