Yarn Storm at the AN Library

During Fall semester 2019 the Annandale Campus Library developed the “Yarn Storm the Library” project. Yarn Storming (less aggressive than the common term “Yarn Bombing”), is a world-wide phenomenon where individuals and groups cover parts of buildings, benches, bridges, etc. with knitted yarn as a form of artistic or political expression. Their goal was to engage students and others in a new activity proven to reduce stress and to create a sense of community. The project had no budget, so they began accepting donations of yarn and knitting needles and crochet hooks.

They asked people to knit or crochet 6” squares that could then be stitched together to cover one of the library’s overstuffed chairs. People attended pop-up sessions in the library to learn how to knit or crochet. Most people chose to be instructed one-on-one, but some took advantage of YouTube videos on ipads available. Some enjoyed getting together in the library to learn and participate, others sat and talked. Some people worked on their own and dropped off their squares. As the weeks progressed, bags and envelopes of completed squares appeared and the squares began piling up. Faculty, staff, students, and community members contributed squares. By the end of the semester, they had enough squares to cover a chair, and extras squares and yarn that was made into scarves for local shelters. Look for their Yarn Storm Chair when you visit the library. If you worked on the project, stop in to find your square.