From crafts to gift-wrapping: St. Marys Public Library offers something for everyone this holiday season

Caroline Rabideau, coordinator, and Rebecca Cousins, library clerk, at the St. Marys Public Library.

By Alex Hunt

With the holiday season now in motion, the St. Marys Public Library is shifting gears to providing an assortment of programming for the community to enjoy. 

Library services coordinator Caroline Rabideau said as part of the library’s initiative this year and leading into next year, they will be hosting a Learning for Life series where locals can learn about everyday life through creative activities. 

 “We want people to feel connected to the community, which is essential around the holidays when people may feel isolated; they crave more socialization,” said Rabideau. “The library is a great space for that, and we love connecting our community.” 

Upcoming holiday programming will include: 

- Make & Take: Origami Christmas Stars will run on Nov. 26 from 7-9 p.m. The social activity will teach participants how to make origami Dutch ornaments. Registration is available online.

- The Star of Bethlehem Talk with special guest Tony Martinez will take place on Dec. 2 from 6-8 p.m. Hosted at the library, listeners will learn about the relation of astronomical phenomena to the story of the star of Bethlehem.

- The drop-in Holiday Wrapping Party will run on Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 1-3 p.m. Locals can bring their gifts to the library and learn wrapping tips and techniques. Cash donations are welcome.

- Create & Connect: Christmas Felt Star will take place on Dec. 11 from 6:30-8 p.m., where participants will learn how to blanket stitch and make festive stars. 

- An Evening with Austen: Celebrating Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. The free ticketed event will be hosted by the library at the Friendship Centre on Dec. 16 from 6-8 p.m. Attendees will be treated to refreshments and trivia, along with a special presentation from Professor Gabrielle Poulton.

“I’m very excited for the locals to experience the holiday programming that we have going on this holiday. I think the gift wrapping will be very popular,” said Rabideau.  “The craft programs that we’re running allow participants to explore their creative side, and I love teaching and being a part of the learning process.”