Each Thursday a close-knit group of teens gather at the East Valley Branch Library for community service and bonding with fellow students. What used to be referred to as the Knitting Beanies for Babies program has been "reborn" as the Crafty C.A.T.S. (Community Action Teen Service) in order to reflect the broader scope of the program.

Working with Literacy Services to deliver Born to Read packages to Palomar Hospital newborns that include a beanie sewn by the group, a book, bib, and information on the Escondido Public Library is now only one part of what the group plans to do. We are branching out to participate in other craft-centered community service projects including knitting for the troops overseas as well as for local animal shelters.

All supplies and refreshments are generously provided by the Friends of the Library. Also, a cart full of books including new teen arrivals as well as interesting knitting patterns and new techniques are also available.

Participation in the group counts toward the required 100 hours of community service for high school graduation.

For more information call Joanna Axelrod: 760-839-4266