×

Upcoming holiday happenings at the Marshalltown public library

LaVille

The holiday season is a bustling time of the year at the Marshalltown Public Library with many fun events for the whole family, free and open to the public.

The annual train display will be viewable inside the library’s meeting rooms, Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and on Sunday, Dec. 11 from 1-3 p.m., brought in by Central Iowa Railroad Club. In honor of the display, a special train storytime will be held Dec. 10 at 10:15 a.m.

“This is the first time we’ve offered this for two days,” said Library Director Sarah Rosenblum. “It’s something little boys and big boys and little girls and big girls will like. It’s just so amazing to see the little villages and trains displayed.”

On Tuesday, Dec. 13, from 6-6:45 p.m., youngsters ages baby through preschool and their guardians can attend the Jingle Bell Jamboree, led by educator Christine Faas. Children will get the chance to sing holiday-themed songs and play musical instruments. Pre-registration is not required, but encouraged so staff have enough hand-outs and materials. This is part the library’s regular family music program.

Storytime takes on a holiday vibe this month. Held every Wednesday at 10:15 a.m., geared toward preschoolers, storytime on Dec. 7 will feature pies as its theme; Dec. 14 will feature cookies; and Dec. 21 holiday stories.

Rosenblum

Because the joys of the holidays can also bring about stress, the library is offering an adult coloring holiday de-stressor event, Wednesday, Dec. 14 from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants can color bookmarks or coloring book pages. Supplies will be provided, but people are welcome to bring their own.

The annual family holiday cookie decorating will take place Sunday, Dec. 18 from 1:30-3:30 p.m., open to children of all ages. Each child pre-registered will receive two cookies to decorate. Walk-ins are welcome, as supplies last. Kids ages eight and under may attend without an adult.

“It’s a nice way to relax during a hectic season, and this way, there’s just one big mess here decorating, not at everyone’s house,” said Youth Services Librarian Joa LaVille.

The library will be closed Dec. 23, 24, 25 and 26. It will reopen on Dec. 27 with an early closing time, closing at 6 p.m. on Dec. 27, 28, and 29, closed again Dec. 30 and 31 and Jan. 1 and 2. Due dates for checked out materials will be extended during this period.

“Even when the library is closed, it is always open virtually,” Rosenblum said. “You can still download eBooks, audio and songs online.”

She added that library staff members are willing to answer questions about new releases for your holiday shopping list.

“You can also make a donation in honor of a special person, and the library will purchase a book with that person’s name on a nameplate inside,” Rosenblum said.

Pre-register for events by calling 641-754-5738, visit the library’s youth desk, or go online. To learn more about online resources and events, visit www.marshalltownlibrary.org

——–

Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.38/week.

Subscribe Today