Julie Rimel, also known as the “ABC Lady,” is bringing the alphabet to the New Woodstock free Library May 9 through June 24, with a reception to be held from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21. The exhibit will be open during all regular library hours. The exhibit and the reception are free and open to the public.
A retired math teacher who lives in Manlius, Rimel began collecting books of and about the alphabet in the 1980s. Her collection now numbers more than 3,500 books based on numerous themes, complementary art, and unique formats to hold them.
Before she began making her ABC Artists’ Books, she was a needleworker specializing in traditional samplers.
The ABC Lady gives lectures and workshops and has made presentations at Syracuse University, Oneonta, the Everson, Keene Valley Art Festival and the Cherry Road School. She has also made presentations at the Manlius Senior Center, Manlius Library, and was Artist-in-Residence at Lowville Academy. She gives tours of her ABC Home.
Rimel has attended the nationally known Book Arts Camp and has studied under Robert Sabuda, Ed Hutchins, Nancy Callahan, and Paul Johnson.
For a preview of her work, search “Julie Rimel the ABC Lady with music by Jamie Willard” on YouTube. Rimel will conduct a workshop for area residents at a date in June, to be announced.
Refreshments will be provided at the library’s new coloring book program for adults, from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 7. Coloring for grown-ups is a worldwide phenomenon in the publishing industry with some titles topping best-seller lists and millions of copies sold. Proponents of coloring for adults have emphasized the stress-reducing benefits of coloring books. The program at the library is free and materials will be provided.
On May 14, from 10 to 11:30 a.m., “Create with Lisa,” with local crafts expert Lisa Wright-Murphy, will present “Crochet II,” an intermediate level workshop including increasing, decreasing, granny squares, ripple patterns, changing colors and crocheting in the round. A fee of $5 covers all materials. Attendees are encouraged to bring an “I hook” and may bring their own projects for individual help.
Also coming to the library soon, “Sprockets to Spokes: an Adventure in Basic Bike Repair,” for bike owners ages 8 and up May 21 at 10 a.m. and noon. All necessary tools, tarps and bikes are provided by the workshop teacher, 17-year-old Ben Wormuth. Call to register. Class size is limited.
The New Woodstock Free Library now has Madison County landfill punch cards available for sale.
The library also has free passes for adults to the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park; children are free.
For more information on library events, programs and services, call 315-662-3134 or visit www.midyork.org/newwoodstock. Call for a schedule of children’s programs and a 2016 library events calendar.
The library is open Monday through Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday evenings from7 to 9 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The library is also open whenever the blue library flag is displayed. When Cazenovia schools are closed, the New Woodstock Free Library will also be closed.