The Holiday Handmade Market will offer homemade products and commodities from local artists recruited via the library’s online platforms. Christina Bonfiglio-Scali, the Head Librarian for Community Engagement stated that the market was established as a concept to bring local small enterprises together in a common area. She went on to say:
“People [will be] displaying their unique creations, local artisans, all from the area and just try to bring a little holiday cheer to the library and give people the chance to get some last-minute holiday shopping in.”
According to Bonfiglio-Scali, the handcrafted market will provide guests the opportunity to purchase locally while also giving consumers the ability to locate an ideal present that is unique.
The community engagement librarian mentioned that the staff at Merrick Public Library originally felt this type of market was conceivable following their summer attempt at hosting a comic book convention, which they named MerriCon. That gathering featured cosplayers, artist panels, guest lecturers and merchants. They decided to give it another go but make it holiday-themed this time around. Printing services can be used to set up holiday themes.
Holiday Handmade Market will be held on December 13th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Merrick Library.