How-To in 2022!

Well, folks! Another item to file under “My, how time flies!”: this will be the fifth year for the How-To Festival. Every year has seen a different lineup of presenters (and, due to the circumstances, a variety of formats!), but what has remained continuous is the ample bounty of creativity and resourcefulness our friends and neighbors have to share with us. We hope you’ll join us on the Library Lawn on June 25th from 10am-2pm–with over 20 presenters from across our community, there’s sure to be something for everyone! Here’s just a sampling of what you can look forward to, plus some reading suggestions if you’d like to dig in further. We hope to see you there!

You may have heard that the Lawrence Humane Society has had an increasing number of dogs under its care, and is in need of folks to foster them. So, our friends from LHS will be here (along with some friendly puppers!) to talk about what’s involved in fostering adult rescue dogs and the difference it can make in their lives.

The Genius of Dogs

I find mushrooms mesmerizing: they unfold, seemingly out of nowhere, often into tiny villages of intricate (and sometimes adorable!) shapes. Their vast underground networks are only vaguely understood. They aren’t plants, or animals, but something else entirely. Some of them are delicious, and others will kill you, and it can be hard to tell the difference between the two. Thankfully, the folks from the Kaw Valley Mycological Society will be here to share tips for beginners getting started with mushroom identification. 

How to Forage for Mushrooms Without Dying

There’s something so quintessentially summertime about riding a bike. Plus, it’s an important means of transportation for many people. Let the Lawrence Unchained Bicycle Co-op show you how to fix a flat tire and take care of other bicycle maintenance so you can keep rolling! 

The Ultimate Bicycle Owner's Manual

We’ve all seen multitudes of fire extinguishers over the course of our lives; you may even have one in your own home. But do you know how to use it? The Lawrence Fire Department will be here to give you a hands-on opportunity with a fire extinguisher so you can be prepared for an emergency. 

Dr. Disaster's Guide to Surviving Everything

PLUS! This year’s How-To Festival will feature two bonus events: the unveiling of Lawrence Transit’s first electric bus, and a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon hosted by the Lawrence Arts Center and Black Lunch Table. 

Join us from 10am to noon to celebrate the official reveal of Lawrence Transit’s first electric bus! There will be snacks and bus rides, and Transit staff will be able to answer your questions about pretty much anything related to riding the bus in Lawrence.

Walkable City

Raise awareness of the lives and work of black artists by learning to create, update, and improve Wikipedia articles. The Lawrence Arts Center is partnering with Black Lunch Table to host a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon from 1-4pm in Meeting Room C. If you’ll need a laptop to participate, reserve one here

Digital for Good

-Melissa Fisher-Isaacs is the Information Services Coordinator at Lawrence Public Library.