REGION — While scouring the shelves at your local library searching for a special recipe or holiday stories for the kids, you might discover that festive events are taking place in your favorite reading rooms throughout the region—and the season. Workshops, concerts and even some shopping opportunities await those who explore the many special programs being held during the coming weeks, in book nooks scattered across the Upper Delaware River region.

Honesdale Happenings

HONESDALE, PA — Children in different age groups will be decorating gingerbread houses on Wednesday and Thursday, December 14 and 15. Parents with kids from six to eight and nine to 12 years old are asked to pre-register for these workshops, since class size is limited. A teen group get together is scheduled for December 9 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and the Friends Group will be decorating the library in the first weeks of December, making it a warm and festive atmosphere for the ongoing book sale—perfect holiday gift giving for the avid readers on your list. Call 570/253-1220 for workshop registration and schedules.

Family fun in the Manor

LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY — On Friday, December 9, the Livingston Manor Free Library will be celebrating with seasonal stories, crafts and refreshments. Participants can also do some holiday shopping at the library book sale that same evening and purchase raffle tickets on sale now. Take a chance on winning a variety of themed gift baskets. Proceeds benefit the Hawley Public Library. In conjunction with WinterFest, there will be holiday card-making workshops, book signings and story time for the little ones. Visit www.waynelibraries.org for detailed information and schedule.

Tea and Crumpets

GRAHAMSVILLE, NY — On Sunday, December 11, the upper level reading room at the Daniel Pierce library will be transformed into a tea room, with decorating assistance from the 4-H puppy pals. Music and poetry reflecting the season will be enhanced by concert pianists, a clarinet ensemble and sing-along as participants gather around the library’s new grand piano. Refreshments and entertainment provided by Tri-Valley students will round out the holiday tea party. Advance registration is suggested. Call 845/985-7233 for details.

Photo copyright 2005 David B. Soete

Merriment

in Milford

MILFORD, PA — The Milford Garden Club will once again be decorating the building for the holidays in anticipation of the traditional tree lighting ceremony, which takes place on Saturday, December 3 at 5 p.m. just outside the public library. An ongoing raffle to benefit library operations for the various Pike County branches is being held now through the drawing on December 12. The prize, an iPad 2, is a perfect gift for someone special or a coveted treasure to keep for yourself. Tickets can be purchased online, in person or by mail at any branch location, and one need not be present to win. Call 570/296-8211 or visit www.pcpl.org.

Winter Solstice celebration

SULLIVAN COUNTY — The Western Sullivan Public Library system is holding teen and adult freeform lantern making workshops in Callicoon, Narrowsburg and Jeffersonville on December 13, 14 and 15 respectively, in addition to a story time version of the workshop for the younger set. The completed lanterns will be carried by participants who gather in Narrowsburg on December 22 for the first “Light in the Dark” solstice celebration, which will include making luminarias, music, short stories and a lighted procession to the bridge with the completed lanterns. Call 845/887-4040.