A Gift for Everyone: Handmade Crochet Tree at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch

BRICK TOWNSHIP – A dedicated group of yarn spinners in Brick Township spent nearly all of 2024 preparing a special holiday gift that underscores OCL’s dedication to “Connecting People…Building Community…Transforming Lives”: The eight-foot tall crocheted holiday tree that stands throughout December at the Ocean County Library Brick Branch.

You’re invited to meet the creators in the OCL Brick Branch during their Artists’ Reception, 10:30 AM Saturday, December 7. Light refreshments will be provided. Please be aware that the snacks might contain potential allergens.

Five hundred crocheted yarn squares in a rainbow of colors are wrapped around a latticed framework with wooden supports at its center. After assembling the frame offsite, the group transported and covered it in the Branch on Saturday, November 30.

Senior Librarian Laura Meeker-Korch initiated the project based on a similar work of art and craft in the Little Falls, New York Public Library. “Two gentlemen, John Ossowski and Mike Beehm, made it to honor their mothers and the fiber industry in the area,” she said.

Nimble knitters Sun Borden, Elizabeth Bushong, Jean Deval, Joyce Dombrowski, Linda Horm and Christine Wray began creating squares in January of this year during two regularly-scheduled programs, “Crochet Around the Corner” and “Crochet Palooza.”

 “On average,15 to 20 squares were collected each month from the ‘Crochet Palooza’ program, some months over 30 squares,” Laura marveled. ’Crochet Around the Corner’ saw a core five to 12 participants each month.”

The Crochet Tree, Laura said, is the group’s gift to the community. It can be seen during normal Branch hours. For more information, stop by the OCL Brick Branch, 301 Chambers Bridge Road, or call (732) 477-4513.

OCL turns 100 in 2025 and you’re why we’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.