A Visit with Mrs. Clause

A Visit with Mrs. Clause

Mannville Centennial Public Library Hosts a Visit with Mrs. Clause Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

Preschoolers spent some quality time with Mrs. Clause at the Mannville Centennial Public Library on Dec. 15. Parents and grandparents alike enjoyed the visit which included stories and singing and, of course, visiting with Santa’s other half. Library Board Chair Shantell Bielesch was having just as much fun as the youngsters, and said it was so great to be able to have an in-person activity for the kids to enjoy. The library, which currently has about 200 patrons, has kept very active throughout Covid, added Bielesch. Some of the offerings that have been made available to patrons included take home craft bags, curbside pick up and story time in the park.

Bielesch said Library Manager Jacqie Carek is “excellent at developing programs” and has a few ideas up her sleeve for the coming year. One of the ideas is soup day where patrons will have the opportunity to prepare recipes from some of the cookbooks at the library. Another idea is setting up a seed library so patrons would be able to harvest their own seeds. Bielesch said the program would be supported by the community, and would be a great opportunity to engage with folks from the community. Between Jan. 1-Feb. 28 patrons will be able to log how many hours they are reading which allows their name to be entered into a draw. Bielesch is hoping they will be able to resume in-house activities in 2022. She said Thursday afternoon tea with the seniors was very popular as well as Friday afternoon movies with students when they were not in classes. New for the holiday season are adult and family Christmas baskets that are filled with festive books, movies, puzzles, games and goodies. Patrons have also spent time in recent weeks decorating cardboard gingerbread men and houses as well as premade gingerbread kits to assemble, decorate and eat if desired. The library is also a member of the Northern Lights Library System, which offers access to a greater variety of products and services for patrons to enjoy at no additional charge.

Easton Boe describes what he wants for Christmas to Mrs. Clause. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Library Assistant Manager Dorie Jackson and Library Manager Jacqie Carek. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)