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| Messenger photo by Dianne Garrett |
| Renuka Bhatt applies a henna tattoo on Korey Knight, 13, of Columbus at the Whitehall branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Bhatt is a Mehndi specialist, and was giving demonstrations on June 9 as a part of the library’s summer activity program. |
There will be cool fun this summer at the Whitehall branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library.
The summer reading club is in full swing, and on June 9 the first of many activities was a hit for all ages. Everything from turtles, snakes, gliders, wind up cars and games will serve to teach and entertain.
Renuka Bhatt, of Lewis Center, is a beautician and Mehndi specialist. She mesmerized her subjects as her quick hand drew intricate henna tattoo designs. She can do 40 per hour, and has been doing the art form for 15 years.
Mehndi is the Indian word for henna. In this art form, designs are traditionally applied to a woman’s hands and feet, although men also get them for various occasions.
According to Bhatt, henna is made from the crushed leaves of the henna plant, and was used to color the skin 5,000 years ago. In India, North Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, henna is seen as a blessing with the power to bring the wearer happiness and wealth. Henna painting spans many countries and religions, but the design details vary from culture to culture. Generally, Indian designs are made of finely drawn floral and paisley patterns, Arabic designs concentrate on larger floral motifs on the hands and feet, and African designs include bold geometric shapes.
Bhatt shares her craft in educational environments and festivals. She is also available for parties, and can be contacted at kutromanus@yahoo.com.
Whitehall Library summer events
•Preschool story time will be every Monday at 11 a.m. for children 2-6 years old.
•Booktoons on June 28, July 12 and 26 at 11 a.m. will get children and hopefully parents started with humorous books to read together. Nancy Gillespie will also introduce attendees to the online version of "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," and show how to access the entire book online.
•A bilingual story time (English/Spanish) for ages 3-6 will be every Wednesday at 7 p.m.
Other summer programs
•June 16 – Teen gaming at 4 p.m. for ages 12-17.
•June 17 – Funky Wallpaper Designs by Columbus Museum of Art 2 p.m. for ages 8-11.
•June 18 – Talking socks puppet show at 11 a.m. for ages 6-11.
•June 19 – Mad Science stunt planes and gliders at 7 p.m. for ages 5-11.
•June 23 – Manga Cartooning at 4 p.m. for ages 12-17.
• June 24 – Race On! All participants will build a wind-up race car, and then race them. 2 p.m. for ages 7-11.
•June 24 – Wii gaming for adults (bowling) at 6:30 p.m. for ages 18 and up.
•June 25 – Let’s Keep Singing with Mark Wilder at 11 a.m. for ages 3-9.
•June 26 – Family story time at 7 p.m. for all ages.
•June 30 – Doctah X Presents Electronic Music Production 4 p.m. for ages 12-17.
•July 1 – Game On! at 2 p.m. for ages 8-12.
•July 2 – Turtle Lady at 11 a.m. for ages 0-5.
•July 7 – Comic Book Bonanza at 4 p.m. for ages 12-17.
•July 8 – Bookopoly at 2 p.m. for ages 8-11. Participants will be the game,pieces in a giant Monopoly-type game.
•July 9 – The Marvelous Toy with Mark Rossio (guitar and singing) at 11 a.m. for all ages.
•July 10 – David Brizius magic at 7 p.m. for ages 4-11.
•July 14 & 28 – Teen gaming at 4 p.m. for ages 12-17.
•July 15 – Captain Underpants at 2 p.m. for ages 6-11.
•July 16 – Bingo, Jr. at 11 a.m. for ages 2-6.
•July 17 – Bagpipes and Books at 7 p.m. for all ages.
•July 21 – Friendship gardening at 4 p.m. for ages 12-17.
•July 22 – Wii gaming for adults at 6:30 p.m. for adults 18 and up only.
•July 23 – Preschool story time at 11 a.m. for ages 3-6.
•July 24 – Family gaming at 7 p.m. for ages 6-11.
•July 29 – Turtles, Lizards, Snakes, Oh My! at 2 p.m. for ages 8-11.
•July 30 – Dance and sing with Miss Marlene at 11 a.m. for ages 1-8.
•July 31 – Traditional tales puppet show at 7 p.m. for ages 6-11.
•Aug. 2 will be the last day to receive incentives for "Game On Read." All groups of ten or more must register in advance for the activities by calling (614) 645-2275.
