Holiday Program and More Youth Events in December

How exciting! The annual Happy Holiday family event will be held on Saturday, December 10.  The family fun starts at 11 a.m. in the community room with interactive stories, live music, and crafty activities for children.  We’ve invited Mr. and Mrs. Claus, too!  Mark your calendar for a morning of holiday spirit and a photo opportunity with Santa.
 
The December calendar also includes many of the library activities that are offered year-round, such as story time.  In the children’s room, library staff regularly presents three story time classes weekly, on Saturday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Every Saturday at 11 a.m., Meghan delivers an engaging and educational family story time and crafts program, with the first Saturday being a bilingual, English-Spanish learning experience.  Tuesday’s preschool class and Thursday’s infant and toddler class both start at 10:30 a.m. At these programs, parents often take the opportunity to share their parenting ideas and check out books on homeschooling, Waldorf and Montessori philosophies, and many other topics.
 
On the first Thursday of every month, there are two more reasons to visit your library.  Annette begins the day at 10:30 a.m. with her unique and much-loved half-hour music program for toddlers, preschoolers, and their caregivers.  Many traditional and multicultural tunes are strummed and sung. Children and parents alike enjoy playing an assortment of rhythm instruments and dancing with silk scarves.  Last month, we all did the limbo and laughed the whole time.  And the after-school crowd can enjoy a free G- or PG-rated movie with popcorn in the community room beginning at 3:45 p.m.  Everyone is welcome, and children under 10, as is our library policy, will have their caregiver nearby.
 
Did you know that on the first Wednesday of each month, all three of our local schools let the children out early? On these early-release days, Sedona Public Library provides a variety of literature-based, hands-on activities from noon to 4 p.m. in the community room. Past themes have included Johnny Appleseed stories and edible art, the world of sunflowers, origami paper folding, and clay sessions. Children and teens are welcome to drop in at any time. Often, a theme-based presentation takes place at 1:30 p.m. for those interested in learning more about the activities of the day. No registration is required, and children under 10 will have an older caregiver nearby. The next early-release day is December 7—drop in!
 
The Library also offers chess instruction and computer coding gatherings.  More spontaneously, we provide pop-up opportunities that could involve learning a new game or working on a group puzzle, a quick origami session,  a make-it take-it craft activity, a science or art demonstration, or working with an educational kit from our STEAM cupboard (science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics). Feeling techie?  Pop in and participate in a global initiative called Hour of Code, from December 5 through 9.
 
The library website provides home access to a wide range of library information, including children’s book award lists and a calendar of youth events, so check often for updates. Please don’t hesitate to call the youth services department with any comments, questions, or ideas for best serving the children, teens, and families of our community.
 
Sedona Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, partially supported by the City of Sedona and Yavapai and Coconino Counties. We also require donations and grants to fund our operations. Your tax-deductible donation may be made online through our website or sent to: Sedona Public Library, 3250 White Bear Road, Sedona, AZ 86336.

Sedona Public Library
Column for December 2, 2016
Written by Karen Mack, Youth Services Librarian