Weave Baskets and Celebrate America at the Waretown Library

WARETOWN – Experience colonial life through craft! The Waretown Branch of the Ocean County Library will host “America at 250: Colonial Berry Basket Weaving” from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, July 20. 

Step back into colonial America and experience what everyday life was like in the 1700s. Long before the advent of plastic containers and grocery bags, people relied on handwoven baskets to gather berries, carry food, and store household goods. 

In this hands-on program, participants will learn simple basket-weaving techniques and create a small berry basket inspired by those used during colonial times. Along the way, we will explore how baskets were made, why they were essential to daily life, and how these practical skills have been passed down through generations. 

This event will be led by Mary May, South Jersey master basket maker, who has taught basket-making workshops for many years and is the 2022 recipient of the Ocean County Lifetime Achievement Award in the Arts.

No experience is necessary. Just bring your curiosity and creativity. Participants should be comfortable following multi-step directions and completing the project independently as this is a detailed hands-on weaving workshop with limited one-on-one assistance available.

This program is part of the Ocean County Library’s celebration of the United States’ 250th anniversary, made possible through the generous support of the Ocean County Library Foundation. The Ocean County Library Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization now in its 25th year of enhancing services and opportunities to all OCL users.

This event is also generously sponsored by the Friends of the Waretown Library. The Friends are volunteers who help preserve, strengthen, and support the library through supporting branch activities, sponsoring fundraisers, and attending community and civic events as library advocates. Visit theoceancountylibrary.org/oclfriends or stop by your local OCL branch to learn how to get involved.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, visit tinyurl.com/BasketsWaretown, call 609-693-5133, or stop by the branch at 112 Main Street. Registration will open July 6.