At Gilmer County Library
The happy sounds of Whoville will be ringing through the Gilmer County Library when the institution follows a recent visit from Santa Claus with its Merry Grinchmas event Saturday, Dec. 7.
The free program will welcome kids and adults to celebrate the holiday season alongside a popular guest of honor from the classic Dr. Seuss Christmas tale.
“It’s a fun event and the Grinch will be there. There will be plenty of opportunities to get pictures with him,” said library manager Heath Lee.
Almost 180 attended last year’s second-ever Grinchmas at the library, said youth services coordinator Monica Clark.
This year, the event will be held in the facility’s newly renovated basement learning area, which will provide additional room for the festivities.
“It’s for all ages and we will have lots of Grinch games, Grinch snacks and crafts. There will be a photo booth with the Grinch and everybody can get pictures. People are welcome to come dressed in their Whoville attire or pajamas,” said Clark.
Attendees should bring their own camera or other photographic device, she added.
The library recently held an opening celebration for its annual Festival of Trees and the elaborately decorated trees put up by more than 25 local agencies, organizations and businesses will remain on display for public viewing through the month of December, Lee said.
The library will be closed Dec. 23-26 for Christmas holidays, he added.
Upcoming holiday programs
Two youth ornament-making activities will be held at the library in the weeks leading up to Christmas, Clark noted.
Children age 3 and up are invited to decorate a wood slice ornament Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 10-11 a.m.
“All materials will be provided and there will be enough supplies for one ornament per person, so parents can make one, as well,” Clark said.
An artistic activity for “teens and tweens” will feature ornaments inspired by renowned glass sculptor Dale Chihuly Monday, Dec. 16, from 6-7:30 p.m.
“He’s an incredible artist whose work (has been displayed) all over the world. We’re going to replicate those kinds of abstract forms using a special plastic film called Dura-Lar. You color it with a Sharpy marker and use a heat gun to melt it into whatever shape you want. This activity is for ages 10-17,” she added.
Advance registration is required for the two ornament classes, but plenty of spaces are open, Clark said.
Those interested in attending can register by visiting the library at 268 Calvin Jackson Drive or calling 706-635-4528.
As Christmas draws near, the library will welcome a lecture speaker who’s lived somewhere colder than the North Pole.
Susan Kirsic will speak about “Antarctica: Life in Another World” Thursday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m.
“She has actually lived on Antarctica and will be talking about what that’s like. Susan has some artifacts she brought back from there that have been on display (at the library) and she’ll probably be bringing those back, as well,” Lee said.