Westerly Sun Column | Festivities at the Library Promise Wreaths, Sweaters and Holiday Cheer

It’s the start of a busy, busy week. Perhaps you’re gearing up to host a Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, or perhaps you’re not, but chances are you’re still managing a myriad of other concerns: school vacations, grocery shopping, or searching for the Christmas tree stand that you know was in your basement 11 months ago but has somehow completely disappeared (just to name a few). Even when we’re giving thanks and enjoying the time with family and friends, it’s ok to acknowledge that a little bit of extra stress comes with the territory! I can’t guarantee your turkey will be cooked to perfection or that family members will get along, but I can at least help take the guess-work out of what you will do this Saturday, when you’re too tired to come up with plans on your own. Just stop by the library, and we’ll handle all the entertainment!

Beginning at 9:00am, our ever-popular “Make Your Own Wreath” program will take place in Wilcox Park. Every year, we supply everything you need to create your own, unique holiday wreath, including greens sourced straight from the park! Staff will be on hand to guide you through the process, or you can find tutorial video on our YouTube channel. If you prefer to work on the project on your own time, a select number of to-go kits will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis. For either option, there is a suggested donation of $15.

We’re also helping you take the guess-work out of your holiday attire. Few thing are more festive than an Ugly Christmas Sweater, especially if that sweater is hand-crafted! From 1-3pm, we’re hosting an Ugly Sweater decorating party on the third floor. Participants should bring their own shirt or sweater, and we’ll provide all the fun, sparkly, and garish accoutrements to decorate it with! This program is free and open to all ages, but pre-registration is requested. If ugly sweaters aren’t your thing, or if you or the kids simply need a break by midday, we are also holding our first Family Movie Matinee of the season from 1-3, which will feature a classic film based on “The Princess Bride” by William Goldman.

The day of fun will culminate in our Annual Tree Lighting out in Wilcox Park at 4:30pm. Attendees will enjoy singing carols alongside members of the Chorus of Westerly and indulging in holiday treats provided by the Friends of Westerly Library & Wilcox Park, as well as hot cocoa from the Washington Trust. It’s the perfect way to round out a day of festive fun, and kick off the holiday season.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian