By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

HOOVER—A group of students were deeply immersed in their work at the Spain Park High School library on April 13, but they weren’t studying or doing homework. Instead, the group was painting with the guidance of fine arts teacher Carolyn Warren.

Modeled after the “sips and strokes” format, students and even a few teachers followed Warren’s instructions to produce an image of a tree on canvas.

The April 13 painting session concluded the Spain Park library’s new series of diverse programs introduced this year.

“It’s great, we got a lot of positive feedback,” Spain Park librarian Dr. Casey Middlebrooks said. “Everyone wants us to do it again next year.”

Each month the library offered a free class or program to students and teachers. This year’s sessions included sushi making, an introduction to magic, self-defense, a presentation from the Southeastern Raptor Center, yoga, ballroom dancing and painting.

“(The programs) provide fun and unique learning experiences students and teachers may not otherwise have the opportunity to do (and offer) a different view of what the library is,” Middlebrooks wrote in an email.

Library use has never been a problem at Spain Park, Middlebrooks said, noting students always drop by to study, do homework and research. This year’s program series allowed students to use the library in a new way.

“It’s just showing a different side of the library, being able to interact with the students on a different level,” Middlebrooks said.

Middlebrooks said he hopes to offer more unique programs at the library next year and to continue “providing awesome resources” for students.