If you want your kids to be readers, you have to read to them. Many adults are self conscious about reading to their children, but all a child wants is to feel warm, be close, and hear your voice. These moments will be with them all of their lives. Reading books, for adults and children, is a great centering activity, especially at Christmas, - a pretty hectic time of the year. After Thanksgiving, many of us bring out our Christmas music so why not start a family tradition of gathering your holiday books and read the same books every year. Your children will ask for and look forward to their special favorites and ask to hear them over and over. Some of my favorites are: An Orange for Frankie, Angelina’s Christmas, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, The Christmas Story according to the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, The Year of the Perfect Christmas Tree, The Legend of the Poinsettia, The Gift of the Magi, The Polar Express, The Runaway Dreidel and The Nutcracker.

A favorite of many in my generation is The Night Before Christmas, first published anonymously in 1823 and later attributed to Clement Clarke Moore. Don Gaines, President of the Library Board of Trustees, would read it to his two sons every night from December 1st through Christmas night. At the age of two, his oldest son was able to recite it word for word by just looking at the pictures in the book. Now, when the whole family gathers for Christmas, he reads it to his great nephew and niece-and the circle goes round and round. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

The new year will begin with two new, free workshops at the Library. Basic Genealogy classes start on January 15th, 6:00-8:00 PM for four weeks. Instructor Nikki Lockwood will continue with four weeks of Intermediate classes if there is interest. Please sign up at the Library so there will be enough reserved computers. Beginning Computer classes will be held on Saturday, January 31st and February 7th from 10:00AM to 12:00PM with instructor Barbara Mishell. The class is limited to six participants.

Wishing you a Happy New Year from all of us at the Library.