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Holiday fun at Kendall Young Library

Off the Shelf

Fifteen years ago when I was a young, hopelessly insecure teen, my parents once forced me to wear a Santa hat while we went caroling at our city’s local homeless shelter. At the time I was quite sure I would never recover from the embarrassment. Now, however, I break out my Santa hat the second Thanksgiving has concluded, and wear it any chance I get.

In fact, as a lover of all things shiny and bright, I fully embrace any and all signs of Christmas, which means that right now walking into work every morning is a total joy. In case you haven’t been by over the past couple of weeks, let me be the first to inform you: Christmas has officially arrived at the Library. Garland has been hung, Christmas trees have been assembled in all their sparkling glory, and this year we even have a jolly holiday snowman made entirely out of upcycled library materials near the checkout desk for your viewing pleasure.

This past Wednesday we as a staff celebrated the season with a holiday brunch. We even spiced things up with an Ugly Sweater Contest; I am now the proud winner of a Most Disturbing Sweater trophy. That morning we ate some delicious potluck dishes and laughed together over our ridiculous sweaters, celebrating both the end of a wonderful year, and the excuse the holidays provide for some uncomplicated fun. Are you ready to have some good old-fashioned fun? I have good news. As a Library we want to do what we can to make holiday fun relevant and accessible to people of all ages and situations; hence, a wonderfully varied list of activities over the next few weeks:

Santa’s Workshop

Tomorrow (Saturday, December 10), the Library is hosting our annual Santa’s Workshop event. Children and families are invited to stop by the Library anytime between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. for a visit with Santa Claus, some fun with crafts, and a delicious cookie. Families, this is a great opportunity for some togetherness holiday fun that won’t break your wallet, as the entire event is free of charge.

Kids’ Movies

Every Saturday morning at 10:30 a.m. we show a movie in the Children’s Department for kids ages Kindergarten thru 5th grade (Older siblings and families welcome). This Saturday, Dec. 10 we will be showing Holiday Wishes. On Saturday, Dec. 17 the featured film will be Santa Buddies. Bring a friend, enjoy the movie and popcorn.

Teen Christmas Party

Parents, grandparents and guardians, looking for free, fun activities for the teenagers in your life? Teens 6th-12th grade are welcome to stop by the Library after school on Tuesday, Dec. 20 for our annual Teen Christmas Party. There will be food, games, and a cookie decorating contest. Teens are encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday sweater!

Movie for Adults

Adults, the Library will be showing the recently released film The Great Gilly Hopkins on Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 6 p.m. Rated PG and based on the award-winning novel by Katherine Paterson, the film celebrates the heartwarming story of the young and feisty Gilly Hopkins who is on an epic journey to discover the meaning of family. Gilly bounces around from one foster home to the next, causing trouble at each stop with her unruly behavior. A kindhearted woman (played by Kathy Bates) eventually takes her in and breaks through the child’s rough exterior, becoming the mother she’s never had in this emotional comedy-drama. Free popcorn and beverages will be provided.

Coloring for Adults

Need a break from the busyness of the holidays? Stop by the Library Tuesday, Dec. 27 anytime between 6:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. for some relaxing coloring. This is your chance to take a breather, and enjoy some quiet as you unwind with some therapeutic (easy) art. The Library will provide coloring pages and colored pens and pencils free of charge.

Make sure to include the Library’s programming and activities in your holiday plans. And don’t forget: our shelves – both at the Library and online – are full of wonderful holiday-themed titles for your viewing, reading and listening pleasure. Stop by or call for recommendations.

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