by Caitlyn Boland,
Assistant Director of the
Butler Area Public Library

Our libraries are the center of the communities we serve. As this central hub, we offer a space where people feel welcome to come together, communicate, share ideas, educate and inspire one another. To me, the holiday months are my favorite time to find ways to bring these people together at our Library. Here are some ideas you can use bring people together at your library this holiday season.

 

Elf on the Shelf
This holiday program can be very easily implemented in any library. After you purchase your elf kit, consider reading the story in your library’s storytimes early in December. You could have the children vote for a name for the elf and have them look for the elf throughout the month of December. Move the Elf to a different spot as often as you like and be sure to include pictures on your social media accounts. You could also count participation by having people fill out entry slips noting where they found the elf each day. At the end of the season, pull a few winners for some small prizes.

Gingerbread House Decorating
Host a program where people can build and decorate a gingerbread house. Make a list of supplies needed to build the houses and have people who want to participate sign up to bring in one item off of the list. They also will need to bring their own can of icing. This surprisingly low budget program is a lot of fun!

International Holiday Food Tasting
For all the foodies and cookbook lovers of the Library, host an international holiday food tasting. Each person who signs up will bring a dish representing a traditional holiday of the nation of their choosing. Have each person prepare a short description of the county, the holiday and the recipe. For some extra fun, you could have a vote for favorites.

Cookie Swap
Who doesn’t partake on a few extra cookies around the holidays? Hosting a cookie swap at your library is a fun and easyway to spread some holiday cheer.   Have a signup sheet for this one and try to get the recipes in advance so you can make copies for anyone who wants them. Simply set up the space with some napkins, containers, tongs and possibly refreshments. Then let everyone swap away!

A Christmas Story Program
There are a number of holiday stories that you can transform into an elaborate children’s program. Last year at the Butler Area Public Library, we held a How the Grinch Stole Christmas program. I premade “Who” pudding and had it in bowls for kids to pick up as they walked through the door. Everyone could have their snack while they watched/listened to an interactive storytelling. Peter Bess, our wonderful Youth Librarian, acted out the Grinch part while I narrated and had my dog come in to be Max. We followed the story with a handful of games and crafts such as Pin the Heart on the Grinch, which I drew myself, and Make Your Own Grinch Dust. The kids loved it. The Polar Express is another story that can turn into a fantastic program. Read more here.

Digital Try Before You Buy

Reach out to a store that sells handheld devices such as Best Buy. Organize a time when they can bring some of their newest products to your library. Patrons can try out these devices, ask an expert about product features and find something that may meet their needs or the needs of whomever they are considering purchasing a device for. While patrons could look at these devices in the store, the holiday times are very busy for stores and people don’t always get the the customer service they need. The library can offer a venue for potential buyers to get the information they need to walk into a store and make an educated purchase with confidence.

Library Light Up Night
Last year, the Butler Area Public Library held its first ever Light Up Night. The event included lighting up the trees and holiday lights in the Library, a hot chocolate bar, crafts for all ages, music, caroling and Santa himself. With somewhere around a hundred people enjoying time with family, friends and the community, this successful event is one that Butler will be repeating.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to know how your PA Forward library spreads holiday cheer!