Thursday, November 21, 2024

The big guy in the red suit, Santa Claus, is returning to the Fond du Lac Public Library to sit down for free photos with children in early December as the library turns into a Winter Wonderland.

This year, he’s visiting twice, including a special sensory-friendly session.

Santa arrives on Tuesday, Dec. 3 for a registration-only event for youth with sensory-processing disorders. Limited space is available for these sessions, held at 4 and 4:30 p.m.; visit calendar.fdlpl.org to reserve a time. This hour will take place on the library’s Lower Level, have a small and limited number of families, and include crafts and activities that can easily be taken home if preferred.

Later that evening, from 5:30 to 7 p.m., registration opens to anyone who wants to have a guaranteed time to sit down with the big guy. While these sessions, held at 5:30, 6 and 6:30 p.m.; are full, a wait list is available. Visit calendar.fdlpl.org to reserve a spot on the wait list. Crafts and games will be offered throughout the Lower Level of the library as well as in the Children’s Room.

Couldn’t reserve a spot on Tuesday? Stop by Wednesday, Dec. 4 from 4 to 7 p.m., no registration needed. Crafts and games will be offered throughout the Lower Level of the library as well as in the Children’s Room.

All families who attend either night will receive a free book, courtesy of the Fond du Lac Evening Optimists.

Other youth activities planned include:

  • Dec. 15 - Feb. 15: Get ready for a “big” Winter Reading Program as the library asks if everyone is “Yeti to Read.” Log your minutes of reading online or on paper cards at the library to earn chances to win. Learn more soon at fdlpl.org/winterreads
  • Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 6 p.m. in the McLane Room: Drop into the latest meeting of the FDLPL Rook Club. Chess players of all ages and abilities are invited for friendly gameplay; experienced players are encouraged to assist newer players.
  • Wednesday, Dec. 11 at 4:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Create beaded pipe cleaner snowflakes during Crafty Kids. Best for ages 4+; no registration required.
  • Monday, Dec. 16 at 4:30 p.m. in the Discovery Room: Join Maker Mondays to make a colorful kaleidoscope (and give it a spin). No registration required.
  • Friday, Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.: Youth ages 5-12 will learn to paint a fun seasonal scene during Paint-Along. Registration opens Dec. 13 at calendar.fdlpl.org.
  • Monday, Dec. 30 at 1:30 p.m. in the McLane Room: Play Bingo, glow-in-the-dark style. All ages are invited to play under black lights to win funky, glow-in-the-dark prizes. Participants should wear something neon or white.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 11:15 a.m. in the McLane Room: Join the Noon Year’s Eve Party, where you’ll make party hats and noisemakers, take photos, and ring in the “noon” year with sparkling grape juice. No registration required.

Teens, meanwhile, have plenty planned as well:

  • Sunday, Dec. 9 through Saturday, Dec. 15: Register for a Browser’s Cache bag, complete with a checked-out book and more, that can be picked up later in the month. Theme: Vacay, Getaway
  • Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m. in the Discovery Room: Drop into Anime Afternoon to see a few episodes of anime and enjoy a few snacks. Cosplay is welcome.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 4:30 p.m. in the Discovery Room: Create hot chocolate bombs during Play with your Food. No registration required.
  • Thursday, Dec. 19 at 4:30 p.m. in the Teen Area: Get ready for a tabletop roleplaying adventure during Ready, Set, Roleplay. Bring your own Level 1 character or use one provided. All experience levels are welcome. For grades 6-12. No registration required.