Have a hope for the new year? Then the Athol Public Library is the place to go and share it.

On the large window in the children’s section of the library, the Gratitude Tree has taken on a new form as the Wish Tree. It’s the creation of Children’s Librarian River Stanley and library technicians Robin Brzozowski and Olivia Skinner. Stanley had the idea, and Brzozowski and Skinner helped make it a reality. The tree, dubbed “Mossyleaf,” features expertly-drawn woodland creatures and was made by Skinner. Stanley said it started as the Gratitude Tree in November and had also been used for featuring poetry.

Instead of writing the things they’re thankful for on paper leaves, children are encouraged to write their wishes for the new year on stars. These have ranged from worldwide joy and happy children everywhere to an alarm clock and finding a dinosaur skeleton in their backyard. Stanley said that wish was made by a child named Mia.

“She took out a book on fossils and wants to be a paleontologist,” said Stanley.

Brzozowski said the trees helps bring children to the activity area, where they can play games or take part in the library’s different programs. The plan is to keep the tree through the end of January.

“It’s always fun to have drawings in the window,” Brzozowski said.

Stanley said the tree helps to create a sense of community at the library alongside what they experience at the town’s schools.

“They feel like they’re part of a bigger community,” she said.

Max Bowen can be reached at 413-772-0261, ext. 265 or at mbowen@recorder.com. 

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