Libraries are a great resource for expanding our minds. Besides all those books, they can also be colorful, inviting, artful and full of activity. Hughesville Public Library exemplifies this. Within its walls you’ll find displays of paintings, papier-mache creatures and displays, and happy little human creatures enjoying themed Story Time, Wee Move, Music time and craft projects.

An Old Oak Tree with a Wise Old Owl atop its branches greets patrons as they enter the library. We caught its creator as she was finishing up Story Time with a dozen or so little humans. Amber Adams, Library Assistant, is responsible for much activity and much of the artwork within the library. She fashioned her Magic Oak from papier-mache, using old materials and also paper towels, “…which work well for making the bark wrinkles in the trunk,” Amber says. “There’s a pool noodle inside all that mache,” Amber adds. A papier-mache octopus and Cheshire cat, also made by Amber, sit amongst the display of books highlighting the winter season. The shine and texture on the octopus is achieved with her use of air-dried clay. The cat features a cozy felt coating. Various other accessories aid the effectiveness of Amber’s creations, like ping-pong eyes and neon paint.

Amber is a perfect fit for a library. Educated at Kutztown University in Theater, Music and Literature, she is an avid reader, having read 105 books in 2022. “I really enjoy researching books and adding to our collection, and I love making the kids happy with my creations and displays. It’s fun to see that “wow” in their eyes when they spot one of them,” Amber says. She worked at James V Brown Library for five years before Joining, in 2013, the Muncy, and later Hughesville Library staffs. Amber resides in Pennsdale and is the mother of five children: Jasmine, Charlie, Autumn, Matthew Jr. and Rowan.

Libraries are havens. Within these havens, a magic world of reading, resource and artful wonder await you. This is not our first story about the talented staffs at Hughesville, Muncy and Montgomery Libraries. They give so much.

Amber Adams and her creations for patrons at The Hughesville Public Library are much appreciated, as are all other staff members and their contributions.