What began as a small get together of sewing and knitting enthusiasts at the Tallapoosa Public Library has now grown into two separate classes that meet twice a month in the library’s multipurpose room.

According to Library Branch Manager Karen Bowling, the original sewing class, which incorporated sewing, crocheting and knitting, was born out of Carolyn Reddish’s volunteer efforts.

“She’s really the leader of these classes, and they were her idea,” Bowling said. “She then enlisted the help of two other ladies: Barbara Burke and Ida White.”

Together the ladies lead – but not necessarily teach – the sewing classes. The first class was simply an opportunity to share sewing, knitting, crocheting, cross stitching and quilting knowledge and skills, and then it grew.

“We started with just crochet and knitting and then quilting, so we were going to do all that together,” Bowling said. “Then we had to separate it because it grew. The first group started with about 20; now we have about 30 for both classes.”

Now, the classes are split into a crochet and knitting class, which meets every first and third Thursday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and a quilting class, which meets every first and third Tuesday of the month from 4:30 to 6 p.m. Bowling says splitting the class in half makes it more manageable, especially for those who quilt and need a lot of space to spread out their creative creations.

“The beauty of these classes is that it is for beginners, too,” Bowling said. “It can teach you how to read the directions for the patterns, and it makes it a lot easier to get started. It’s also been a second wind for some people who perhaps used to do these crafts and are starting to pick them up again.”

What’s even better is that the classes are absolutely free. All participants need to do is bring their supplies or whatever they are working on, and they will receive a helping hand from the rest of the class or its leaders.

“We’re not experts, but we enjoy quilting and sharing what we know,” Reddish said.

Bowling says, thus far, she has received a good response from patrons about the new classes at the library.

“They’re really appreciative,” she said, “and they have so much fun, and they learn new things.”

Bowling says the class has also helped boost the library’s circulation a bit, as class members have begun checking out books on their chosen crafts or looking up patterns on the library’s computers.

The group has even recently used their crafty skills to help local chemotherapy patients at the Tanner Health System’s Roy Richards Sr. Cancer Center in Carrollton by knitting caps for them.

Local residents will also have a chance to give back to the community as the Tallapoosa Friends of the Library now have a set time and place for regular book sales to benefit the library.

“We’ve had the Friends of the Library for 19 years,” Bowling said, “and they’ve come a long way raising money for us. There have been times when our book budget was so small, they helped us get from one fiscal year to the next.”

As of Jan. 21, the Friends have had a permanent place to host their book sale inside the old Tallapoosa High School’s library every Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. and every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Books range in price from 25 cents to $3.

“Of course, the Friends of the Library are always looking for new members,” Bowling said. “Dues for individuals or families is $10, organizations can join for $25, and supporting businesses can sign up for $50.”

All dues and donations given to the library are tax deductible. For more information on the library, its classes, or Friends of the Library, call Bowling at 770-574-3124.