Westerly Sun Column | ’Tis the Season for Crafty Library Programs

All right folks, it is time to buckle up, because the holiday season is HERE. I don’t know about you, but in my experience this means that the next five weeks are going to absolutely fly by, with the exception of a few inevitable days that pass by agonizingly slow. It’s certainly a wonderful, hectic, crazy time of year! If you are in need of a unique gift, tips on surviving family functions, or even an activity to occupy your children for a few minutes while you regain your sanity, add a trip to the library to your To-Do List.

There’s nothing quite like a handmade gift, and, thankfully, you don’t need to be an artist or woodworker to create something beautiful for a loved one. On the first three Mondays in December, we’ll be giving out “Handmade Holidays Crafternoon To-Go” kits, which include most of the supplies you need to create something beautiful — no prior experience (or even talent) required! Our Teen Space will also have crafts and gift ideas for younger patrons, every Monday from 4-5 p.m. If you’re in the mood to start decorating for the holidays, you don’t want to miss our popular wreath-making workshop, which takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30 in Wilcox Park. Create your own beautiful wreath from local cuttings, or grab a bag (supplies limited) to make one at home. For those of you who aren’t into crafts, or don’t have time, no worries! Check out the unique gifts in The Coy, just inside of the library entrance, and keep your eye out for our pop-ups at Coy, featuring wonderful local artisans.

We have a great lineup of low-key programs coming up, for those that are looking for a reprieve from the chaos. In addition to our regular weekly and monthly programs, we’re screening several popular holiday films over the next few weeks, including a special all-ages movie on Nov. 30 at 10 a.m. Kids will enjoy our “Stuffed Animal Salon” on Dec. 11, and checking out our special Santa Mailbox, where they can drop off their own letters from now until Dec. 16. Those who include their addresses may even get a response from the big man himself! You can find more information on all of this on our calendar at www.westerlylibrary.org. While you’re in here, check out a book to enjoy over the holidays, whether that be a fun read like “Holiday Romance” by Catherine Walsh, a cookbook such as “Brilliant Bites” by Maegan Brown, or perhaps even “The Elf on the Shelf Family Cookbook” by Chanda A. Bell.

We hope you will join us for our Annual Tree Lighting this Saturday, from 4:30-5 p.m. in Wilcox Park. Enjoy carols with members of the Chorus of Westerly, holiday treats provided by the Friends of Westerly Library & Wilcox Park, and delicious hot cocoa warmly provided by Washington Trust and Bess Eaton, before we light our tree and official welcome the holiday season!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian