Many free programs at libraries in December
By Barb Pert Templeton
Residents of all ages looking for some holiday fun don’t have to look further than their local libraries in December.
The St. Clair County Library System has announced its schedule for December and everything from arts and crafts, to cookie decorating and visits with Santa crowd the calendars for branches across the area.
Cara O’Brien, senior youth services librarian for the St. Clair County Library System, said each branch in the library system gets to come up with their own programs which then go through an approval process with senior librarians before they are placed on a schedule.
“In addition, there are many programs created and delivered by the systems programming team, whether they are activities that travel branch to branch or larger events like Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus,” O’Brien said.
The holiday library programs tend to get great attendance, from Santa visits to activities like gingerbread house decorating and there are programs for all ages.
“There are many classic programs that we bring back because we know they are popular and are great for getting folks in the swing of the season,” O’Brien said.
The Algonac/Clay Library will offer the program, ‘Snowball Launch for Kids” on Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon.
In fact, December is a bit busier at the libraries because in addition to programming, holiday vacations and winter breaks mean that more people have time to visit their local libraries.
“We keep a count of attendance for programs at all branches every month of the year,” O’Brien said.
Popular programs include the Santa visits at various locations, cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus and a Noon Year’s Party for kids on Dec. 30. Programs geared for adults that garner strong attendance include Painting with Stacey, Gingerbread Houses, Victorian Ornaments, Holiday Trivia and viewing the movie, White Christmas.
“We endeavor to deliver an equal number of children’s and adult programming every season, including the winter months, and many programs are for all ages,” O’Brien said.
And as always, all library programs are free to attend, she added.
Here’s a list of what’s happening at local libraries in December by branch:
Main Branch – St. Clair County Library –310 S. Second Street in Port Huron (810)329-3951
Thursday, Dec. 11 @ 5:30 p.m.
Home Sweer Home Gingerbread House
Program Description: Whether Martha Stewart or Morticia Addams inspires you, sign-up with your family and friends to create the perfect festive curb appeal for these mini-houses – registration required.
Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 10:30 a.m. and noon
Cookie Decorating with Mrs. Claus
Join Mrs. Claus to decorate festive holiday cookies; plenty of photo opportunities available for this program for children under 12 and families. Registration required.
The St. Clair Library will host an event that will allow visitors to create Victorian ornaments
*This program will be held at the Don Doge Auditorium, at 200 Grand River Avenue in Port Huron. This venue is behind and across the street from the Port Huron/Main Branch of the library.
Sunday, Dec. 20 from 12:00 to 2 p.m.
Polar Party w/Santa
Music, crafts, activities, treats and photo opportunities with Santa. Registration requested for children attending.
*This program This program will be held at the Don Doge Auditorium, at 200 Grand River Avenue in Port Huron. This venue is behind and across the street from the Port Huron/Main Branch of the library.
Algonac/Clay Library 2011 St. Clair River Drive in Algonac (810)794-4471
Thursday, Dec. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Rustic Christmas Ornaments for Teens
Painting wood slices and turning them into Christmas ornaments.
All supplies provided.
Saturday, Dec. 13 from 11 a.m. to noon
Snowball Launch for Kids
Stay warm and enjoy some indoor winter fun seeing how far mini marshmallows will fly. Allergy warning – will be using latex balloons. All materials provided.
Saturday, Dec. 20 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Visit with Santa
Take your picture with Santa while enjoying holiday music, crafts and refreshments.
Ira Township Library 7013 Meldrum Drive in Ira Township (586)725-9081
Tuesday, Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.
Santa at the library
Santa is coming to town holiday crafts, snacks, music and visits with Santa. Please bring your own camera for photos.
Thursday, Dec. 4 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
Holiday Hits Trivia
How well do you really know your holiday songs? Test your knowledge of lyrics, titles and holiday history for this friendly competition. See if you can bring home the trivia trophy.
Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 3 p.m.
Perler Bead Winter Wonders
These easy-to-make crafts will become lasting memories, from snowmen and pine trees to elves and reindeer. Please register, as supplies are limited.
Marine City Library 300 S. Parker Street in Marine City (810)765-5233
Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 12:00 p.m.
Dinner and a movie: Arthur
Enjoy dinner a movie, Christmas Arthur, please register in advance for meal planning. The event is sponsored by the Friends of the Marine City Library.
Saturday, Dec. 13 @ 11 a.m.
Holly Jolly Celebration
Enjoy music, crafts, reindeer games and visits with Santa. Bring a camera to take pictures.
Maryville Public Library 1175 Delaware Avenue in Marysville (810)364-6950
Thursday, Dec. 11 @ 6 p.m.
An Evening with Santa
Make and take crafts, visits with Santa and a cookie decorating station.
St. Clair Library 310 2nd Street in St. Clair (810)329-3951
Mini Wreath Ornaments
Wednesday, Dec. 3 @ 3 p.m.
Get in the spirit by making a mini wreath ornament.
Thursday, Dec. 11 @ 3 p.m.
Victorian Ornaments
Make a Victorian ornament of your own, it’s a Victorian snowflake.
Saturday, Dec. 20 @ 10 a.m.
Santa is Coming to Town
Santa will be at the library for stories and crafts.
To see the complete list including Yale, Capac, Burtchville and G. Lynn Campbell visit stclaircountylibrary.org.
