By JEN BOUTIN

BCPL 

The winter holiday season has arrived and Boyle County Public Library  has filled its events calendar with numerous activities to help set the festive mood. From holiday crafts and cookie decorating, to visits with Santa and a hammered dulcimer concert, the library has something for everyone.

The third Annual Bookmark Contest is going on now through Monday, Dec. 2. Budding artists are invited to create a bookmark based on a favorite book or character. Bookmark forms are available at the library and can also be downloaded from the library’s website at boylepublib.org/bookmark-contest. The contest is open to youth ages 3 to 18. Winners in each age category will have their bookmark on display at the library, and the grand prize winner will ride along in the bookmobile in the Danville Christmas Parade on Dec, 7. 

“Getting to ride in the bookmobile is a unique experience,” says Young Adult Services Librarian Brittany Smith, who has driven the bookmobile in the Christmas parade for the last two years. “Most people only get to see the inside of the Bookmobile when it is parked. Getting to experience it in action from the front seat is a treat.” All bookmark entries must be submitted to the library by Monday, Dec. 2. Winners will be contacted on Wednesday. Additional contest information is listed on the bookmark form.

The library will team up with the Heart of Danville for one of the main events of the season. From 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, Pictures with Santa will be held in the Reading Room at the library. Kids of all ages are invited to share their wishes with the jolly elf. Since Santa will need to head off to his next stop, the line will close at 3:15 p.m. All those in line by that time will be guaranteed a visit with Santa Claus. Those planning to visit Santa are encouraged to arrive toward the start of the program. In addition, during the event, holiday crafts for kids and families will be available in the Storytime and in the Community rooms. 

Holiday crafting opportunities abound during the month of December. Activities include a holiday workshop and Christmas treat making for kids, and gingerbread cookie decorating and peppermint sugar scrub making for tweens. Teens are invited to make snow globes at Teen DIY and they will be making holiday cards to give to local assisted living facilities at the monthly Teen Space event. Adults are invited to learn how to create a unique wreath using the pages of old books at Crafting for Keeps on Thursday, Dec. 5.  

Additional activities include a hammered dulcimer concert with music of the season; a model train exhibit that will be on display Dec. 12-15; Saturday Morning Cartoons featuring Christmas classics; and storytime visits with Santa. In mid-December, the Friends of the Library will host Byron Crawford: Christmas Nostalgia. Crawford will share holiday stories, many of which feature local residents.

A selection of books featuring the December holidays of Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa will be on display in the Children’s Library, and will include fictional stories and nonfiction titles to explain the history and traditions of the holidays. Seasonal books are also on display at various locations throughout the library.

While time seems to accelerate during the month of December, the library offers its patrons a way to connect with friends and family, and participate in fun, free activities together. More information about these and other upcoming events and resources can be found at www.BoylePubLib.org or by calling the library at (859) 238-7323.