Library program helps adults with back-to-school hairstyles

With many back-to-school shoppers likely focused on buying new clothes and stocking up on notebooks and pencils, a new program from the Spokane County Library District is making sure back-to-school hairstyles aren’t left out of the picture.

The Spokane Valley Library will host “Back-to-School Hairstyle Basics” on Tuesday.

This class is geared toward children ages 5 and older with long hair and the adults or older siblings who help those children get ready for school.

A library staff member will guide participants through hairstyles like ponytails and braids.

“(Styles) that would keep it out of their face, especially if they’re doing any sports in school,” Jane Baker, communication and development director for the Spokane County Library District, said. “It would still be attractive and trendy but not in their way.”

The complexity of the hairstyle depends on the abilities of the person styling the child’s hair.

“It might be as simple as learning to braid, or it may be as complex as doing some sort of fancy up-do if a little girl wants to be a princess one day,” Baker said.

The library will provide participants with new brushes and hair ties to use during class which they will be able to take home afterward.

Adults and children may bring brushes and accessories of their own, but it’s not required.

“Any and all of your own is fine, but we recognize not everybody has that stuff so we will also be providing,” Baker said.

Library staff members received a lot of positive feedback from patrons about this program and are expecting a good turnout. Registration is required so the library can ensure they have enough brushes and accessories to go around and that everyone has enough space to work.

While Back-to-School Hairstyle Basics is meant to be educational for the adults and older siblings helping younger children get ready in the morning, the library hopes this class will be fun for everyone involved.

“It’s a relationship-building thing too, especially with a dad or an older sister or something like that helping kids do their hair,” Baker said. “It’s a feel-good program.”