Submitted by Joanne Garrett
Check out these highlights from some of the unique offerings patrons enjoyed systemwide December 26, 2024–January 1, 2025.
Winter Tales: A Storytelling Event with Khelia Alu at Post Road Library (12/27)
32 children, 27 adults
“Voice Actor Khelia Alu lent her talents to this special winter-themed Storytime. Formatted similarly to our Preschool Pals program, she read three books: A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba, How to Catch a Snowman by Adam Wallace & Andy Elkerton, and The Lights That Dance in the Night by Yuval Zommer. We opened with dance and movement to Laurie Berkner's "When It's Cold," and between the books pantomimed "I'm a Little Snowman" and "Five Little Snowmen." The session ended with the kids making a snowman paper bag puppet.” - hosted by Erin Palmer
| Winter crafting fun at Post Road Library |
A Winter Holiday Journey at Hampton Park Library (12/29)
122 children, 83 adults
"Our patrons really enjoyed travelling around our Winter Holiday Journey. They visited Australia and learned some fun facts, made a koala ornament, and snapped some pictures at a beach scene photo op. Then they journeyed to Japan where they learned about the tradition of Daruma dolls and made their own to take home. The next destination was Mexico. There was a festive town set up with informational signs on different Christmas traditions. They learned about the different kinds of food that is served during Nochebuena and built a plate for their perfect meal and a festive piñata ornament. The next place our travelers visited was The Gambia in Africa. They learned about the festive Fanal Boat parade where boats are made from colorful paper, bamboo, and lanterns. They had a chance to make their own boat out of paper and add it to the parade of boats on the meeting room wall. Our final stop was to the Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Our families learned about Winter Solstice, the Yule log, and made a pomander craft. As our families toured the different countries they stamped their passports and then came to the front desk for their final stamp. We had so many positive comments from those that participated in this program. " - hosted by LeAnne Craig
| Patrons travelled the world at Hampton Park Library |
Therapeutic Storytime at Central Park (Outreach)(12/30)
13 teens, 5 adults
“What a sweet time we had today at the Therapeutic Storytime! Our topic was "Owls", and we had 2 fiction stories and 1 non-fiction book. One of the fiction books was the classic "Owl Moon," which was so calming that they all settled down and listened with full attention. They got the wiggles out with Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" freeze dance and the "Drivin' in My Car" song. They really loved learning about how the owls regurgitate the pellets! They were both disgusted and intrigued at the same time.” - hosted by Jeanine Thompson
| All eyes were on owls during this Bookmobile stop. |
Noon Year’s Eve at Cumming Library (12/31)
101 children, 75 adults
“Noon Year's Eve was a huge success!. I started out the program with a game to let kids get their wiggles out. After this, we read Shante Keyes and the New Year Peas. I used the book's discussion of traditions to talk about how different people celebrate New Year's around the world and had kids guess if something was a real tradition (spoiler: they all were). For our crafting and activity portion kids made 2025 glasses, created New Year’s Banners, and decided on resolutions for the New Year. I also made balloon animals for children as they were waiting for space at each station. At noon, after a countdown, Julie and I released the balloons. The kids had so much fun dancing and playing with the balloons. Parents and kids were very complimentary towards the program. One mother commented that she appreciated having a fun activity to do for the holiday in town. Many parents commented that it was a fun program and really appreciate the library for hosting events like this.” - hosted by Signe Madson
| Welcoming in the New Year at Cumming Library |
78 children, 60 adults
“Children from preschool to elementary ages were excited to celebrate the New Year with us. We started out with Anu leading them in a song set to the tune of Mary Had a Little Lamb. Then I talked with the kids about how we celebrate New Years and when in the US. Then we talked about the other types of New Years (Diwali, Lunar New Year, etc) that are celebrated in other cultures. The kids did a great job engaging and answering questions. Then I read parts of "New Year" by Charles Hofer. There were some really entertaining tidbits about traditions around the world that parents and kids all found funny. Anu then introduced the activities where the kids could experience New Year's traditions from different areas of the world. They hung onions on a door, played hopscotch (instead of jumping off chairs), counted silently to 12 and made a wish, practiced cleaning and raking leaves, ran around a suitcase, ice fished, and sorted fruits and veggies. When everyone had completed most of the activities, we called them back over to the other side of the room for the balloon drop. Everyone had a great time and the VolunTEENs were a great help!” - hosted by Stephani Lindsey
| 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1--Happy New Year!! |
I love how the Noon Year's Eve celebrations have become a fun tradition for families at the branches!
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