The Holidays: A Very Special Season of Programs at the Library

As action-packed as the holiday season is, there are still plenty of days during the long school vacation when finding a fun activity for the kids is a challenge. Fortunately, as has become a tradition, the Town of Pelham Public Library will be hosting many special events for children in December, from a crafts program to a movie, to a magic show. And better yet, as with all Library programs, each event is free! Read on to find out more about this very special season at the Library.

Love “Frozen”? You’ll Love This Event!

This season of activities kicks off on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 1:00pm with a special crafts event based on the Disney animated hit “Frozen,” which is itself based on the story “The Snow Queen” by Hans Christian Andersen. This hands-on program will feature “Frozen”-inspired activities based on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) principles. Appropriate for ages five and up. Space is limited, and sign-up is required by calling (914) 738-1234. This program is generously sponsored by donations in memory of Ted Mayer of Pelham.

A Visit from Michael Graham’s Spring Valley Puppet Theater

On Friday, Dec. 26, at 1:00pm, Michael Graham’s Spring Valley Puppet Theater will present two stories: “The Lazy Fox” and “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing.” “The Lazy Fox” asks the question, “Can a very lazy fox trick an armadillo?” An Argentine folktale, it features not only hand-puppet animals but also a puppet that represents the sun. In “A Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” a hungry wolf tries to outwit a shepherd so he can eat a lamb for dinner. An adaptation of one of Aesop’s fables, this story takes place in Mexico.

The show is recommended for ages five and up; children four and younger must be seated with an adult. The program runs approximately 45 minutes and will include a demonstration of some of the puppets. Seating is limited, so please call (914) 738-1234 to reserve your seat. Please be on time, as the Library may not be able to admit late-comers. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Town of Pelham Public Library.

A Screening of “Frozen”

Here’s another event for lovers of “Frozen,” a screening of the movie. On Saturday, Dec. 27, at 2:00pm, the Library will show this Oscar-winning 2013 movie, which is the highest-grossing animated and musical film of all time. Follow the adventures of Princess Anna, mountain man Kristoff and the reindeer Sven as they seek to warm up the ice world created by Anna’s sister, Elsa. Children are invited to wear their Frozen costumes! No sign-up is required. This program is generously sponsored by the Friends.

Emilio Returns for More Magic

For the second year in a row, Bronx-based magician Emilio Velez will visit the Library for a magic show. This year, it will be on Monday, Dec. 29, from 2:00-2:45pm. (Velez is known to many in Pelham for creating magnificent balloon animals each year on K-Day.) This program is appropriate for children ages five and up. Since space is limited, please call (914) 738-1234 to reserve your seat. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends.

Return of the Reptiles

Animal Encounters will round out the roster of special events at the Library in December, bringing amazing reptiles to the Library at 2:00pm on Tuesday, Dec. 30. The Amazing Reptiles program is ideal for children ages seven and up; participants will get to meet a variety of turtles and lizards, a baby alligator and even Julius Squeeze, a 15-foot albino Burmese python! Since this program is a hands-on, small-group presentation, seating is very limited. Please call (914) 738-1234 to reserve your space. This event is generously funded by the Brooks Bequest.

UPCOMING PROGRAMS CHILDREN’S HOLIDAY PROGRAMS

(For further details, see main Bookmark story)

• “Frozen” Craft Activity: Saturday, Dec. 20, 1:00-2:00pm.
• Puppet Show: Friday, Dec. 26, 1:00–2:00pm.
• “Frozen” Screening: Saturday, Dec. 27, 2:00-3:45pm.
• Magic Show: Monday, Dec. 29, 2:00–2:45pm.
• Animal Encounters: Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2:00-3:00pm.

ADDITIONAL CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

• Story Time: Tuesdays for ages 3-5, 10:30am; Wednesdays for children ages 2 and under, 10:30am. (There will be no story time on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, when the Library closes at 1:00pm)
• Homework Help: Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:30-4:45pm; Saturdays, 10:30am, 12:00pm. For children in grades 1 – 8. Students must bring their written assignments and accompanying textbooks. (The last Homework Help of the year will be on Thursday, Dec. 18. The program will resume in January.)

ADULT PROGRAMS

• Learn How to Sell Your Stuff on eBay!: Saturday, Dec. 13, 2:00pm.

Looking for a way to get rid of stuff on eBay but not sure how to start? The Library is offering a one-hour workshop covering what you need to know to become a successful seller on the popular online auction site. The workshop will be taught by Joan Rudd, who has been a successful eBay seller for 13 years. She will walk participants through the selling process, including how to post descriptions and photos, how to price items, shipping and fees. This class is most appropriate for people who have some computer skills. This event is generously sponsored by the Friends.

• Book Club Hiatus in January: The Book Club will go on hiatus in January. The next meeting will be on Thursday, Feb. 5, when the Club will discuss “The Light Between Oceans” by M.L. Stedman.
• Computer and Device Instruction: Call the Library to make an appointment for individualized instruction in popular programs or bring your device and get started with free apps that give library patrons access to free e-books, e-audiobooks, e-music and more.

LIBRARY NOTES

• Holiday Hours: The Library will be closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1, in observance of the Christmas and New Year’s Day holidays. It will close at 1:00pm on both Dec. 24 and Dec. 31.
• WiFi Printing Service: The Library has a new Wi-Fi printing service that allows patrons to print documents, photos and more from their own devices, inside or outside the Library. For more details, call or visit the Library or go to pelhamlibrary.org and click on “Using.”

(Reprinted with permission. This story originally appeared in The Pelham Weekly on December 5, 2014.)