Winter at the Library
Settle into your comfiest clothes, grab a mug of hot cocoa, wrap up in a blanket and plan your December at the library.
From hot cocoa bars to game nights to crafts to wintery reads and celebrations, here’s what the library has in store.
Holiday Open Houses
The Alexandria, Carrico/Fort Thomas and Newport branches are all hosting a Holiday Open House. Read on for each branch’s take on festive fun.
Time: 11 am-2 pm Saturday, Dec. 2
The Newport Branch’s Holiday Open House takes inspiration from the Icelandic holiday tradition of “Jolabokaflod,” where books are gifted and received on Christmas Eve. Then, of course, you read them! Patrons can have a family photo taken with the library’s polaroid alongside enjoying a hot chocolate bar, music and crafts.
Time: Noon-4 pm Saturday, Dec. 2
Nosh on light snacks and refreshments while unwinding to live music. Plus, there will be a photo opportunity with a trained therapy dog!
Time: 10 am-3 pm Saturday, Dec. 9
Fort Thomas is celebrating the holidays with a photo booth, scavenger hunt, crafts, treats and more.
Little ones can even get in a few reindeer games at Jingle Babies, which kicks off the open house at 10 am. At the story time, we will read books, sing and jingle along with everybody’s favorite holiday songs; a footprint craft is included. (Registration is required for Jingle Babies.)
Highlands Band students will play from 11:30 am-12:30 pm. And from 1-3 pm, patrons can decorate cookies, while supplies last.
Say Hi to the Cold Spring Branch at Winter Fest
The Cold Spring Branch will be joining in holiday fun via Winter Fest. Held at the Cold Spring Community Center (5686 East Alexandria Pike) on Dec. 9 from 2-5 pm, Cam will even be there. Enjoy crafts and other holiday activities. Don’t forget to climb aboard the Book Bus and pick out a free read to take home and keep.
Visit the Book Bus this December
Along with Winter Fest (see above), the Book Bus will stop by two other community holiday events.
First up is at 6:30 pm on Sunday, Dec. 3 at the Silver Grove Tree Lighting. After the city lights the tree, families can visit Santa at the firehouse (101 Four Mile Road), enjoy cookies and cocoa from the local church and, of course, climb aboard the Book Bus to pick out a free book.
It will also make an appearance at the Wilder Fire Department Breakfast with Santa from 10 am-noon on Saturday, Dec. 9. The fire department is located at 522 Licking Pike.
Cozy Up with a Good Book
Let the library play matchmaker… with books and movies, of course! Ask our library staff for recommendations and we’ll do our best to find a match. We even made a fun blog post of featuring vibey media perfect for the winter holiday.
Write a Letter & Make a Card
Write a letter to Santa Claus and we’ll take care of delivering it to the North Pole. Drop it off by Friday, Dec. 15 so we can get to Ol’ Saint Nick in time for the big day. Include your full return address and name so Santa can write back.
We have everything you need to make a letter; materials are located in the children’s section at each branch.
While you’re at it, you can also participate in Cards for Seniors, which puts handmade cards into the hands of local seniors. Use provided materials to make cheerful cards and we’ll take care of the rest.
Festive Programs
The library has several wintery programs in store. Read on for the full list.
Homeschool Hangout: Holidays at Hogwarts
11 am-12:30 pm Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Cold Spring Branch
The library’s meeting room will transform into the Great Hall in Hogwarts for a cozy holiday party, complete with Harry Potter-inspired snacks, arts and crafts. For grades K-5. Register.
3-5 pm Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Newport Branch
Work solo or in teams to build a snowflake from marshmallows and toothpicks. The most creative pattern will win a small prize. For ages 11-19.
1 pm Thursday, Dec. 14 at the Newport Branch
Use salt, white crayon and watercolor to create snowflake paintings. During this experiment, the snowflakes will appear like magic on the page. For grades K-5.
Tween Scene: Festive Window Clings
3:30-5 pm Friday, Dec. 15 at the Newport Branch
Use puffy paint to make DIY clings of snowflakes, snowmen and other festive items. For ages 8-14.
4-6 pm Friday, Dec. 15 at the Alexandria Branch
‘Tis the season to test your knowledge and spread holiday cheer! Light snacks will be provided. For ages 11-19. Register.
Get on the Waitlist
These programs may be full but that doesn’t mean you can’t add yourself to the waitlist! All programs require registration. If you put yourself on the waitlist, we will notify you if openings become available.
4 pm Friday, Dec. 8
Did you know that no two snowflakes are the same? Make your own unique snowflake out of paper. Register. For grades K-5. Register.
6-8 pm Monday, Dec. 11 at the Newport Branch
Make no-sew gingerbread people just in time for the holidays. Register.
4:30 pm Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Carrico/Fort Thomas Branch
Create a penguin stuffed animal to cuddle with as the temperatures drop. Learn basic sewing skills or glue your fabric to make your adorable waddling friend. For ages 11-19. Register.
Post-Holiday, Kick Off January with our Winter Reading Challenge
The fun doesn’t stop in December. Keep an eye out for the Winter Reading Challenge. To participate, patrons can sign up on Beanstack, where they will find 31 prompts.
Complete the prompts for an entry for the chance to win prizes. If applicable, books may be used toward multiple prompts.
Adults, teens and children can all join in on the fun. One prize will be given per age group: a $50 gift card and library swag.
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