Herrick District Library is celebrating Tolkien Week with crafts, trivia and an unexpected journey.
First published in 1937, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring came out 17 years later in 1954) by J. R. R. Tolkien are celebrated around the world on Hobbit Day (Sept. 22) and during Tolkien Week (the week of Hobbit Day) each year. Fans of Lord of the Rings and all other works that revolve around Middle Earth get together, read excerpts, make food inspired by the books, and watch the famed Peter Jackson Trilogy.
“The great part about the Lord of the Rings series is that there is something that can inspire everyone and anyone who has taken the time to read the books or watch the films,” HDL librarian Jake Ryan says.
The library is kicking off its week of all things Lord of the Rings with a collaboration with Ottawa County Parks to create a walk to Mordor like everyone’s favorite halflings. Participants can visit Riley Trails Sept. 7-21 and follow the signs to take their own unexpected journey through Middle Earth. Each sign has facts about Lord of the Rings author J. R. R. Tolkien, poems and excerpts from the trilogy and more.
Each afternoon from 4 to 5:30, the North Branch will host a drop-in Lord of the Rings-themed event.
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Courtesy HDLLord of the Rings-themed crafts and a "walk to Mordor" (with Tolkien buttons as prizes) will be part of Herrick District Library's Lord of the Rings Week.
Monday, Sept. 16: Create a fantasy map
Tuesday, Sept. 17: Cross-stitch a Lord of the Rings character
Wednesday, Sept. 18: Write quotes in calligraphy
Thursday, Sept. 19: Make a hobbit door wreath
Friday, Sept. 20: Make an elven leaf brooch
On Thursday night, the library will also host a Lord of the Rings trivia night 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Herrick District Library North Branch. No registration is required; participants should plan to be in teams of up to four. Questions will come from the Lord of the Rings books, movies, and TV show Rings of Power. Themed prizes will be given out to the winning team.
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