Crafting for Dad: Children Flock to Tinley Library

Armed with crayons, markers, glues, scissors and paper, kids at the __ were on a mission Saturday—Create the best Father's Day card in the universe.

The library provided the materials, while the moms provided the kids. Coordinators planned for between 50 and 60 children to file in and out throughout the day and the turnout was on pace early Saturday afternoon.

“With school out, kids don’t have an opportunity to make a Father's Day present (in class), so this is an opportunity for them to come out to the library and make something for their dads,” said Yvette Curtis, the library's youth services assistant. She added that this year was her first Father's Day card making activity.

Options for card designs at the event included a shirt with a tie, an airplane or a fishing pole. Since the activity was among the library's "drop-in" programs, it didn't require parents to register their kids in advance. That worked well for Jude Prieur, mother of Sarah, 6 and Luc, 4.

"The drop-in programs make it easier on scheduling your day because you can come during the time allotted and only have to stay for the time needed to complete the project,” she said.

Julie Donohoe, whose children, Timmy, 3, and Julia, 4, were busy working on shirt and tie and airplane cards, respectively, said she, too, often takes advantage of the library's programs.

“(They) are wonderful and they really help the kids love the library at an early age,” she said.