For students doing research, library workers have been a long-standing source of help. But today, library workers will extend their assistance outside of the bookshelves.
The craft sale in the Mann Assembly Room of Paterno Library will feature crafts and supplies collected or created by workers in the library, with proceeds going to Centre County United Way.
"It grew out of the library's love of fine arts and crafts," said Heather Heidrich, who volunteers to help coordinate the sale along with working in the Library Learning Services department.
She said support has even come from outside of the Pattee and Paterno Libraries, with employees from the Penn State Great Valley libraries also offering donations.
"I think it's important to the people at the library that they're involved in the community," said Catherine Grigor, manager of public relations and marking for the University Libraries. "If people recognize the staff, they'll be much more apt to come ask questions."
Amy Miller, the sale organizer and co-chairwoman of the library's United Way, said she thinks the sale shows a different side to the employees.
"It really adds a human face to everyone in the library," Miller said. "We have a lot of crafty people."
Along with knitted crafts, the sale has a wide variety of other items, ranging from handmade rosaries to live plants.
"We have a diverse group with diverse interests," Heidrich said. "You name it, we've had it."
Miller said patrons often recognize the skills of employees, returning to look for items they made.
Along with products that are finished, the sale features craft supplies, including fabrics, thread and other essentials. Grigor noted that this is another way the sale helps -- by recycling material. The materials that aren't sold at the event are donated to local church groups or non-profit organizations.
"We don't just throw it out," Miller said. "We try to find a good home for the stuff we don't sell."
Miller said she was impressed by the community support the sale receives.
The sale, formerly annual, now happens once in the fall and again in the spring.
She also said she was pleased by the amount of donations made this year.
"We ask for help, and it comes," Miller said.
