December is chock-full of holiday traditions. It seems every family has their own special way to celebrate. Some people drive around to look at Christmas lights, some people head to McDonald’s for a McRib or an eggnog shake, while others may light an advent wreath or Menorah. This is my third December at the library and I’ve begun a few annual traditions of my own.
No Christmas celebration is complete without cookies and I am offering not one, but two opportunities to get in on the fun. On Saturday, Dec. 13 at 1 p.m., I’ll be hosting the third annual HPL Cookie Swap! Participating is easy. Just prepare a dozen or so of your favorite Christmas cookies and bring a copy of your recipe. Those who attend will swap cookies and recipes and end up with a variety of treats to take home. If you’re really in the holiday spirit, you can stick around because at 2 PM on the 13th, Crafternoon will feature DIY gifts and gift-wrap.
The second cookie program I’m hosting is a cooking class on how to make Spitzbuben. This class is part of my German cooking series. Spitzbuben are sandwich cookies with jam. If you like trying new recipes or if your grandmother used to make these cookies and you’ve always wondered how she did it, then this program is for you! In the class we’ll prepare the dough, roll and cut the cookies and bake them with a variety of jams. You’ll have some to take home for yourself as well! Space for this class is limited and registration is required. Please call me at 785-625-9014 or email at [email protected] to register.
Everyone has a holiday movie that they have to watch every year or it just doesn’t seem like Christmas.
One of these movies for me is “Meet Me in St. Louis” starring Judy Garland. This film captures a year in the life of the Smith family of St. Louis, who are anxiously awaiting the 1904 World’s Fair. The song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” was actually written for and debuted in this film. The bright colors and festive music, make this movie a must-see for all generations. I’ll be screening this film at the library on Monday, December 22 at 6 PM. If you need to get away from the house and you want something the whole family can do together, then join us the library for popcorn, hot chocolate and a Christmas classic the whole family will be sure to enjoy.
Food For Fines is here again! From December 7 through December 20th, you can bring in non-perishable food items to pay off your fines. One dollar of late fines will be forgiven for every food item you bring to the library. Please note that this does not apply toward lost or damaged items. We will not accept expired food items, so please check dates on cans and boxes before you bring them in! All food items will be donated to the Community Assistance Center.
Submissions for the third annual Kansas Day Photo Contest will be accepted beginning December 8th. No matter your age or your skill level, the KS Day Photo Contest is open to anyone who’s ever taken a photo in this great state. Please stop by the library for a copy of the contest rules and entrance forms or download the forms at www.hayspublib.org (look under the Kansas Room tab). Photo entries are due on January 21st.
My sincerest wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
The Kansas Room is located in the basement of the Hays Public Library and is open from 9 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday, and by request.