Holiday fun at the library

The holiday season can be a busy and expensive time for families.

A visit to the public library can be a nice break, as well as a source of free entertainment whether attending a library program or borrowing books and movies to enjoy at home.

The library has a variety of holiday-themed books and movies available to borrow for free, ranging from timeless classics to new favourites. Many people are familiar with Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol. Even if you have not read the original story, which you can borrow from the library, many well-loved variations have been created over the years both as books and films.

Perhaps you have seen Michael Caine’s portrayal of Ebenezer Scrooge in the Muppet’s Christmas Carol. Or Mickey Mouse as Bob Cratchit in Mickey’s Christmas Carol, which also stars Uncle Scrooge McDuck as the namesake of Ebenezer Scrooge.

If you have not seen these movies, they are available to borrow from the library and are lots of fun. If you are in the mood to watch a few more Christmas movies, you can borrow A Charlie Brown Christmas, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and many other holiday favourites from the library.

Lots to choose from

If you plan to visit your local library branch in the lead-up to Christmas, there are lots of activities to choose from.

Between Dec. 11 and 23 the New Glasgow Library will be celebrating 12 Days of Christmas Activities. There will be something on the go each day so be sure to contact the library to find out what is happening and when. Or bring a pair of warm mittens — or hat or scarf — to help decorate the Mitten Tree at the Stellarton Library and, while you are there, take part in the Secret Santa Reading Challenge. If you borrow a book from under the Mitten Tree, give us a review — you can enter to win a prize.

Reindeer scavengers

Children are invited to visit the River John Library to see if they can find all of Santa’s reindeer helpers in a Reindeer Scavenger Hunt.

And speaking of reindeer, have you ever wondered why Santa has reindeer pull his sleigh? You can find out on Thursday, Dec. 13, at 2 p.m. at the Santa’s Reindeer Puppet Show in the Pictou Library.

While you are there, make sure you ask about all the other fun activities on the go before Christmas.

Saturday, Dec. 15, is sure to be festive at the Trenton and Westville libraries. Drop by the Trenton branch to find Frosty and his friends in a Snowman Scavenger Hunt or drop by Imagination Saturday in the Westville branch for some holiday-themed fun.

While some programs are ongoing, like the Mitten Tree, Secret Santa Reading Challenge and Reindeer Scavenger Hunt, others are held at specific dates and times. But all are fun and free!

For more information on upcoming library programs, special events and services, drop by your local library branch, follow us on Twitter, find us on Facebook or visit us online at www.parl.ns.ca.