Cashmere Public Library introduces new art forms to community members, hosting a woodburning workshop

CASHMERE—As part of its constant mission of broadening local horizons, Cashmere Public Library (CPL) hosted a free woodburning workshop for teens and adults, aimed at getting community members interested in new creative outlets. 

The workshop provided participants with handheld wood burners (cord-powered devices that can sear designs into wood like red-hot pencils) and free blank wooden coasters, ready to be transformed into unique works of art. After a quick safety introduction, participants began working on their own freestyle coasters, creating an assortment of smokey designs.

Cashmere librarians, Ashley Harrod and Lisa Lawless, expressed their satisfaction with the workshop’s turnout and participation.

“Everybody that came, it was their first experience learning how to woodburn, so it was a really good introduction to this type of art,” Lawless shared with excitement for all of CPL’s programs. “So, I’m happy to bring something to the community for free to introduce a new skill, and that’s kind of what our goal is at the library, to bring activities and programs that open up people’s world and connect them to vital resources.” 

Lawless explained that one of her favorite parts about doing art activities with community members is the wide range of creativity each person brings to the library.

“It’s so surprising how varied everyone’s art is. There’s no mistakes in art, and it’s so true. One person was just doodling, and it turned out beautiful, and another person was working on a scene, and that turned out great too, someone else drew a big insect, and we were just impressed with what everyone came up with, and it was all their first experience with woodburning which goes to show you, everybody’s got talent,” Lawless said with a happy chuckle.

The handheld woodburning kits were all provided through NCW Libraries which supplies regional libraries with a constant rotation of materials for fun activities. After the success of the woodburning workshop, multiple participants have asked for CPL to hold another woodburning program in the future, prompting Lawless and Harrod to look forward to more woodburning to come. 

Amongst their plethora of weekly activities, ranging from more art workshops to kids’ read-aloud, CPL is preparing for their big move down the road to the updated Riverside Center. On August 7, CPL will be holding a town hall presentation to inform locals about the future of the library and ask for public input relating to design direction and space organization. The town hall will be held right at the Riverside Center, allowing community members to get a firsthand look at the Library's new and improved location. 

Visit ncwlibraries.org for more information about Cashmere Public Library, its many fun activities, and its anticipated relocation.

Will Nilles: (509) 731-3211 or will@ward.media