Chippewa River District Library celebrates with holiday favorites and new free programs in December

What’s happening: About 20 free events for both kids and adults are planned throughout Chippewa River District Library’s Isabella County locations this December. From holiday-focused events (see a Polar Express model train in action, discuss “A Christmas Carol” by Charles Dickens, and discover a new holiday recipe) to NERF battles and a presentation on lady lighthouse keepers, there’s a lot happening at the library. 

What they’re saying: We have some new programs happening this month, as well as some holiday favorites,” shares Lisa McCartney, marketing and public relations coordinator at Chippewa River District Library. “Bird on the Bookshelf is a new program that helps kids discover new topics in the book stacks. Not only will kids get the thrill of looking for the hidden bird, but they will also get the opportunity to explore the stacks and maybe find a new topic that interests them.

“For our adult patrons, our upcoming talk, Ladies of the Lights, will explore the dangerous and physically demanding job female light keepers endured while keeping the shores safe across the Great Lakes. 

“And a big holiday favorite, the Polar Express, will be back for a short time,” says McCartney.

See a Polar Express model train in action at the Veterans Memorial Library in downtown Mt. Pleasant. The Polar Express train will be set up in the children's area Thursday, Dec. 1 through Monday, Dec. 5. (Photo courtesy of the CRDL)

Why these events are important: “The library provides residents with programs that educate, inform and entertain. We always work to remind people that while books are a huge part of our services, we are more than books!” continues McCartney.

“The library is a community gathering space, and we strive to provide fun, entertaining programs that welcome patrons of all ages, and are free. We are able to provide access to programs that might otherwise be out of reach due to geographic or financial reasons for many people. We love that we are the place where the whole family can not only get their reading fix, but can also attend a talk on an interesting part of Michigan’s past, grab a craft kit to keep busy over Christmas break, or even take part in a NERF battle to run out some energy inside on a cold winter day.”

Let’s learn more about the take-home craft kit: Library patrons are invited to stop by any of the five CRDL locations (during their respective open hours) beginning on Dec. 6 to pick up a Snowflake Craft Kit. Since no two snowflakes are alike, make your own perfectly unique GIANT snowflake decoration with a CRDL Take & Make Kit. The kits will be available while supplies last.

What else is the CRDL providing in December: A community health worker from Isabella Citizens for Health will be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A community health worker (CHW) is knowledgeable about area service organizations and resources that help improve difficult situations, provide access to basic needs, and minimize or eliminate barriers to an improved quality of life. CHW’s can assist you in health insurance enrollment, transportation assistance, housing resources, and more.

The full CRDL December event schedule: Here's a look at this month's CRDL event calendar.  All events are free but registration is required for some events. Register for events, and download free books, movies and more by visiting www.crdl.org.

Adults

Fun for Teens

Fun for Kids

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