Project Linus volunteers – known as blanketeers – meet up for The Blanket Circle every second Tuesday of the month from 1 pm to 3 pm at Kemp Memorial Library to make blankets for children in need from surrounding areas. 

Kemp Library Manager Maria Dominguez wanted to find something that the community could get together at the library for a good cause. Dominguez reached out to Cherokee and Bartow Counties Project Linus chapter coordinator Ash Bates to start a program at the library. Project Linus is a national nonprofit that locally collects blankets to distribute to children anywhere where a child might be in need. 

During their March meeting, Kemp Library blanketeer Bridgette Clune said she had previously volunteered for an Atlanta Project Linus Chapter but its coordinator retired. She no longer had anywhere to practice many blanket-making techniques or to donate blankets until this program started at Kemp Library in November 2021. 

“I love that, especially here at Kemp, the library isn’t just about books, it’s about community, and doing things for other people – very civic-minded,” said Clune. “It’s also nice to connect with people who care about other people.”

The library invites anyone to participate in The Blanket Circle. Donations are welcome and can be dropped off at Kemp Library as long as the blankets are homemade, new, and are at least 36 inches by 36 inches or larger.

Upcoming Blanket Circle meetings include May 10, June 16 and July 12.

Kemp Memorial Library is located at 4029 Due West Road, Marietta 30064, near Due West Elementary and Harrison High schools.

For information on programs and resources at Kemp Memorial Library, visit cobbcat.org or call 770-528-2527.