Are you getting into the holiday spirit? One of the merriest of our events at the Aurora Public Library, our West Branch Holiday Open House, will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8. There will be refreshments, crafts, music, and a special visit from Santa!
This event is filled with jolly crafts and traditions. From creating a gift tag Rudolf to the famous paper chain competition. Diana Kocunik, children’s librarian at West Branch said, “The ever-popular paper chain will be back! In years past, attendees have tried to outdo each other for the longest paper chain. One year the chain reached across all of the study rooms!”
Only bragging rights can be won for the longest paper chain, however, there will be a drawing. One lucky child, teen, and adult each will win a prize basket.
Don’t forget to bring your list to Santa! Santa will be available for pictures and to take note of wish lists. Don’t be shy. Santa loves pictures with everyone. One year we had a seven-day old baby visit Santa, which set our record for youngest visitor!
Janet Sutter, circulation manager at West Branch, said, “Once again the Fox Valley Wind Quintet will be performing in the Living Room of West Branch. They will perform a variety of holiday music with narration by Jim Kendros from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m..”
At West Branch make sure to take a look at the Holiday Celebrations in Many Lands trees and get a passport stamped! This year all three Aurora Public Library locations will participate.
The West Branch will have the trees representing Winter Solstice, Mexico, the Netherlands, Armenia, Poland, France, and Switzerland, as well as a tree decorated in the style popular in the 1940s. There will be table displays of Hanukkah and Christian Christmas. Many of these trees and displays are prepared by residents in the community!
Janet Stephens, reference manager at West Branch, said, “There will be one more tree for the children who come to West Branch during Holiday Open House and the month of December. The creativity center will have materials for children to make an ornament and hang on a special tree.”
Save the date, folks! There will be plenty of treats and cheer to go around!
Miriam Meza-Gotto is communications manager for Aurora Public Library.