Plenty of events are on tap at the Columbia-Marion County Public Library beginning this weekend.
The plethora of events will continue through the holiday season and beyond, into the Winter Reading Program.
“We have a very busy time at the library,” Technical Services Director Mona Swayze said. “Things begin Saturday when Carol Durham will be here to present a program on elephants for children beginning at 10 a.m.”
Saturday’s program by Durham includes a video and photo presentation, an elephant story time and elephant crafts, including puppet and mask making.
Monday, Nov. 13, marks another upcoming event as T.J. Harvey from Alzheimer’s Mississippi will speak at 2 p.m.
“He’ll speak about signs to look for,” Library Director Ryda Worthy said. “He’ll also give tips for dealing with the holidays. He’s originally from Marion County.”
For more information and Alzheimer’s tips, visit www.alms.org.
Thursday, Nov. 16, will mark another first at the local library as a screening is set for “Of Men and War,” a documentary about a first-of-its-kind PTSD treatment center in California for Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. The documentary follows the paths of veterans as they attempt to make peace with their pasts, loved ones and themselves. The screening is set for 3:30 p.m.
“It will be the first of a series that we’re doing,” Swayze said. “We’ll have a different documentary each time. They are all free. We have some serious ones and then one that is a little less serious called ‘Tea Time.’ It’s about five Chilean women and their conversations over tea.”
Some programs will feature entertainment, including a Dec. 6 performance of the Columbia Strummers at 2 p.m.
“That will begin our holiday season,” Swayze said. “Then, or course, we’ll be doing our trees again for Christmas. This year, they will not be judged by the staff; we’ll let the people who attended our festival and the arrival of Santa judge. The families will judge and we’ll have ribbons for first-, second- and third-place.”
The third annual Community Christmas Tree Festival will begin on Nov. 27, when participants can set up trees.
“Any business or organization in Columbia and Marion County is invited to bring a decorated tree no taller than 4 feet to the library beginning Nov. 27 and through Monday, Dec. 11 at 5 p.m.,” Swayze said. “On Dec. 11 at 6 p.m., we will have an open house and Christmas party. At this time, the open house participants will judge each tree. The trees will remain on display until Jan. 3, 2018.”
Swayze said the trees are an opportunity for the community to learn things about various entities.
“Trees may be decorated to reflect your business or organization there,” she said. “We encourage you to bring information about your organization or business to display with your tree.”
Swayze also reminded patrons the Winter Reading Program kicks off in January.
“We’ll have a lot more information about that soon,” she said. “We really had some good participation numbers last year and we’re looking forward to seeing it grow. This will be our fourth year and Junior Auxiliary and our Friends of the Library group provide books for the children.”
Library Director Ryda Worthy said other projects and programs are coming to the library soon.
“One of our main goals is to improve access,” she said. “We’ve written a grant that would help us with an at-home program. We’re working to bring the library to some people who can’t access it physically.”
Worthy said current facilities are also being analyzed.
“We’re assessing our facilities and looking at making easier access,” she said. “We’re even looking at adding a baby changing station. We’ll look at these things over the next
year.”
Pictured Above: A large crowd was on hand at last year’s Christmas program at the Columbia-Marion County Public Library. | Photo by Mark Rogers
