Cathy Jacobus started Urban Yarns about six months ago. Her goal was
to bring a new group into the Joel D. Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone
Ave. Jacobus is a reference librarian in charge of the exhibit space on
the first floor, and while the knitting group challenges what some
expect to find at their local library, Jacobus says this is a perfect
fit with the library’s mission. Urban Yarns takes place every Friday,
from noon to 1 p.m., in the conference room on the fourth floor. For
more information, call 791-4010, or visit www.library.pima.gov/calendar/?ID=7528.
How long has the library hosted a knitting group?
Urban Yarns started about six months ago, and our attendance varies
from week to week. Despite the summer doldrums, we have a dedicated
core of about 10 who come each week. As a Main (Library) librarian, I
have to say that seeing downtown residents at Urban Yarns really brings
joy to my heart. It makes me feel that this is more than the Main
Library, but the downtown library for people who live here, that we’re
more than just this building with that big, red sculpture in front.
What kind of crowd do you have every week?
They are from diverse backgrounds. We originally thought the group
would appeal most to downtown professionals who could come on their
lunch hours. They often do, and that’s great, but I totally understand
that sometimes, you just want to have that hour to yourself. We’re
actually drawing professionals, students and retirees—people who
want the chance to work in a supportive group setting. It still stuns
me that there are three women who ride the bus across town to the
library every week. I admire their dedication. Starting a group is
always interesting, watching people open up and begin to trust each
other, hoping they’ll get along. So far, so good.
I always thought the library’s sole focus was on books, like with
book groups.
At the Main Library, we are always trying to come up with programs
for the people we serve. Our mission is to be a community meeting place
and promote lifelong learning. There’s also a recreation component that
Urban Yarns fits right into. I can even make the case that it supports
literacy. Just like at children’s storytimes, we get to look at books
on a subject, and then we do a craft.
The last few years, crafting and knitting groups have changed the
way we think about knitting, too.
(Knitting groups) are gaining in popularity, so we thought we’d give
it a try. Anyone who thinks knitting is passé hasn’t been paying
attention. I take a selection of books and DVDs to each Urban Yarns
meeting, covering everything from the latest fashions, to teen knits,
to novels revolving around knitting.
Do you knit?
I’m a weaver myself. I do some knitting. I’ve gotten to be a better
knitter these past few months.
What about someone who likes the idea of knitting, but has never
picked up a pair of knitting needles? Are they welcome?
Our publicity includes the disclaimer that no instruction will be
provided, mainly because I can’t guarantee there will be someone at
every meeting to help. If you show up with your needles and yarn, and
someone is available, they’ll help you. … I also take a selection of
how-to books to each session, to help people get started or to improve
their skills. We even have picture books with knitting instructions for
kids. There are some wonderful Web sites I have in our resource guide
that people can look at. I also do a monthly newsletter for the
knitters. We have 50 people on it right now.
You mentioned knitting groups in other cities that put on outdoor
shows, knitting sweaters for parking meters, stuff like that. Is that
something you’d like to do next?
I have a passion for the bizarre. I haven’t admitted this to many
people, but I’d like to do something like that. … Maybe in front of
the library, we can make a big, red statue cozy.
There’s more than knitting each Friday, right?
It’s social, too. That’s a big thing. … We talk about yarn,
projects and even John Cusack.
Why John Cusack? Is he a big knitter?
No. Somehow, we got on the subject of our favorite John Cusack
movie—a departure from knitting. When that happened, I realized
the conversation had taken the group to a new level.
Any men in the group yet?
No, not yet. Isn’t that a shame? Hope springs eternal.
This article appears in Jul 9-15, 2009.
This group is allegedly from “diverse backgrounds,” and yet it has no men in it? What a bizarre point of view! The group quite obviously won’t appeal to many men, but beyond the glib “Isn’t that a shame,” has there been any specific effort to encourage men/boys to join?