Nailed it: North Spokane Library, Columbia Fire and Iron blacksmithing workshop strikes interest

The ringing sound of hammer striking steel isn’t usually associated with the library, but that’s what visitors heard at the North Spokane Library on Saturday.

Columbia Fire and Iron, a nonprofit organization that hosts workshops introducing the craft of blacksmithing to the community, partnered with Spokane County Library District to hold two sessions at the North Spokane branch.

“We want to promote blacksmithing as a viable means of acquiring goods,” said David Kailey of Columbia Fire and Iron. “If we don’t teach these skills, this craftsmanship will go by the wayside.”

While you’d expect people to visit the library to check out books about blacksmithing, seeing forges and anvils set up in the parking lot garnered a lot of attention, especially from the younger set.

“There’s been lots of interest in hands-on activities at the library,” said Librarian Corinne Wilson.

Indeed. When registration opened, the two workshops filled up within 10 minutes. Each session had room for 12 attendees, 18 and older.

And it doesn’t get more hands-on than blacksmithing.

“It’s a very organic experience,” said Kailey. “You take raw steel and turn it into tools that will be used in whatever project you make.”

At Saturday’s events, participants learned the basics from drawing a taper, to punching holes, to learning twists and scrollwork.

You don’t have to be big and burly to be a blacksmith. At the morning workshop, seven of the 12 registered participants were women.

“Bulk is not what allows you to move the steel. We swing a hammer 3,000 to 4,000 times a day,” Kailey said. “We’re more like marathon runners.”

Mother-daughter duo Michelle Brannan and Katrina Harland showed off the decorative hooks they made.

“I like trying new things, and the library offers unique experiences for free,” Brannan said.

She grinned at her daughter.

“Apparently, she’s a natural.”

“I thought it was going to be a lot harder,” Harland said. “The only scary part was when we had to hammer toward ourselves to get the metal to curve the right way.”

Both women enjoyed the experience, and said they’re going to look into additional classes.

An added benefit?

“If the power grid goes down, she’s got a job,” said Brannan, nudging her daughter.

The historic importance of blacksmithing is undeniable.

“Blacksmiths made all the tools from hammers to nails,” Kailey said. “Without blacksmiths, a community couldn’t exist.”

Seating was provided at the library so interested observers could watch, listen and learn.

“It was really neat seeing the kids and families watching, and hearing the parents say, ‘This is how nails were made,’ ” Wilson said.

She wasn’t surprised by the interest.

“We know the public likes unique experiences – things they won’t find any place else,” she said.

And there’s good news for those who weren’t able to attend Saturday’s workshops.

“We’ve confirmed blacksmithing classes at the library again in 2020,” Wilson said. “We’ll be determining which month later on, but we’re excited for the partnership to continue.”