.png)
by Judy Buckner Larry, Director
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year!” So goes the song written Edward Pola and George Wyle in 1963 and sung by just about every singer who has sung Christmas songs!
And your Philippi Public Library knows you will think our December programs are wonderful too with the plethora of events and activities on the library’s December calendar! We have something for just about everybody at this special time of year. Come and visit us and join in the learning and the fun!
Closings: The library will be closed from Monday, December 23, through Wednesday, December 25, and from Monday, December 30, through Wednesday, January 1, for the holidays. Please plan to check out items early or download e-books and e-audio boos through the Libby app.
Fundraisers: The library has a few remaining Silent Auction items from the Annual Philippi Christmas Craft Show last week. Come out and see what special items we are auctioning off for one of our fundraisers. Thanks to all the businesses and individuals who donated items for this “fun”draiser!
On Tuesday December 17, rom 6 – 8, join us as Margarita’s for fantastic food, music, and a raffle. Margarita’s is donating $5 per the special meatloaf and fajita meals to the library and has donated a raffle item as well.
The library will continue indoor book sales on Fridays from 10 a,m. – 2 pm. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All proceeds of the library’s fundraisers go toward the library’s 2025 team in the Run For It.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation to the library, please mail your check to Philippi Public Library, 91 S. Main Street, Philippi, WV 26416.
Author Story Time: We have a very special program on Thursday, December 12, from 5 – 6 p.m. West Virginia author Colleen Driscoll will be at the library. She will read her book, “Piper the Elf Rides a Reindeer!” She will have this book and other Piper the Elf books available for sale, sign them, and help with activities for the children. Please call and register at 304-457-3495.
Guest Harpist Suzanne Stewart: We are happy to have guest Harpist Suzanne Stewart during the Philippi Christmas Stroll on Thursday, December 19. She will be playing lovely music from 5:30 – 8 p.m. We will have cookies and warm beverages throughout the afternoon and evening. Please join us for this wonderful event.
Tweens & Teens: The library will offer Tweens & Teens on Tuesday December 17 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. for Gingerbread Jubilee. Please call 304-457-3495 to reserve your spot. They will decorate a gingerbread house or cookies.
The Creative Cup has been so well-attended lately and we are happy! Join us on Monday December 16, from 10:30 a.m. – 12 noon to make your snowy holiday votive jar. We always have great craft, conversation, sweets, and coffee, hot cocoa, or cappuccino!
Pre-School Story Hour: As you would expect, Miss Kathy will be exploring Christmas during this month’s Pre-School Story Hour. Reindeer (12/11) and Santa (12/18) are the topics for the remaining two sessions from 10:30 - 11:30 on Wednesday mornings. Miss Kathy always reads stories to the children and frequently leads them in fun and educational activities.
December Movie: We will offer “Elf” during our Saturday Morning Movie at the Library for December 21. This movie should be fun for the entire family and we will provide the popcorn and juice boxes!
On Wednesday, December 11, from 6 – 8 p.m., children in attendance at the Jingle Elf Jubilee will be treated to hot cocoa and cookies, will sing Christmas songs, do activities, paint an ornament, and much more at 17 North Event Center in downtown Philippi. Admission must be paid in advance by calling the City of Philippi at 304-457-3700. No refunds. This event is co-sponsored by the library, Philippi Main Street, and Create Philippi. Santa, elves, and other characters will be on hand for photo opportunities.
The library will have an Elf Scavenger Hunt at the library throughout the month and will offer a story trail in downtown Philippi using the book, “We’re Going on an Elf Hunt,” by Clare Fennell and Patch Moore. Downtown businesses will have the pages of the books displayed in their windows. It will start with Nationwide, go down the street, and then back on the other side until you get back to the library and pick up a treat for enjoying our book trail.
While at the library, children may choose a book, candy cane, pencil, eraser, and stickers while they last.
Christmas Open House at the Library with Here We Go A-Caroling. Our Christmas Open House will begin at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 18. As a special gift to our patrons and to the entire community, we are presenting “Here We Come A-Caroling” from 6 - 8 p.m. WV storyteller Susanna Holstein and WV instrumentalist J. David O’Dell will share their talents with library guests as they celebrate Christmas with holiday music and stories. The general public is invited to this free holiday evening.
For more information about any of our programs and services, please call me at 304-457-3495 or just stop by the library. As always, please let me know how the Philippi Public Library can better serve you and our community. Do stop by and visit with us and enjoy the services provided by your public library. Until next year…
Comments