Courtesy of Amanda Pata

When school librarian Amanda Pata saw some Create-Your-Own-Design travel mugs over the summer, she figured it would be a fun activity for her kids. But after talking to our Library Promotional Team and library regulars about improving the drink station, Pata decided to bring DIY mugs to our North Library Cafe users. They ran with their ideas surrounding themes, monthly incentives, and potential contests, ultimately birthing the idea of Mug Club, a club that takes place in the library once a month on a date chosen by Mrs. Pata. 

Wanting students to look past the false library judgments such as it being only a quiet place to check out books, Pata expresses that the library is utilized for much more than a setting to read in.

“I want students to know that libraries aren’t just places for books or learning databases or being quiet. They can be places for those things, plus spots for being creative, social, active, and fun,” Pata said. “They become what their users need, so I want the GPN Library to be what students need. Sometimes that’s just a hot drink, a place to relax, or an opportunity to be creative.” 

Having an eye-opening, collaborative experience with Mug Club is senior Frances Strong. According to Strong, she believes that being a part of something like Mug Club has helped her explore a new side of her expression. 

“Being a part of Mug Club has allowed me to explore my creativity in a facilitated environment with others to inspire and encourage creativity,” Strong said. “I love seeing everyone’s ideas and incorporating their ideas into my own mug.” 

Not only is it fun for students to participate in, but also for Pata as she enjoys the opportunity once a month to bond with students, witnessing their creativity. 

“It’s really fun to sit down and connect with students during Mug Club. I am usually teaching, in meetings, doing work on the computer, or working with online students, so I try to clear my schedule on meeting days to just hang out with students and be part of their creative process,” Pata said.

Clubs can be a route to meeting new people and indulging in hobbies according to Strong, making the $5 of value to students specifically in Mug Club. 

“I would tell them that it is a great investment of $5 and totally worth the money and time since you get a beautiful newly decorated mug every month as well as a drink for free every month,” Strong said. “It is so much fun to hang out with your friends and chat and create during the day.”