Library hosts family-friendly festivities
A forest is growing outside the Butler Area Public Library.
The library staff is building a set for “Flannel Forest Fest,” which will provide free winter-themed activities for school-age children and their families Saturday.
But children's librarian Tiffany Harkleroad doesn't want visitors to miss the forest for the trees because the event still is meant to be educational and promote reading and literacy in new, engaging ways.
“There are opportunities for them to play, but also learn about birds and teach them a little about environmental awareness,” Harkleroad said. “So really the whole event is not only providing books and materials, but also just broadening education on a grander scale.”
According to Harkleroad, the library organizes a holiday-themed event like this each year, but the coronavirus hampered efforts last year.
Although the library still came through for the season last year with take-home activity kits, which Harkleroad added were given to about 50 families, she said the in-person engagement helps bring people to the library.
“We decided we still want to do something, so we're going to take it outside,” Harkleroad said. “It's all going to be set up in our courtyard and parking lot, so there is plenty of room to wander around and browse.”
Harkleroad said some events planned for Saturday include youth axe throwing, pin the glasses on the lumberjack, a storywalk through the forest and a best beard contest, which can be entered by anyone due to the beard-making kit that will be available. Additionally, the library is providing food and refreshments and music for visitors.
The fest will culminate with a tree-lighting ceremony.Harkleroad said past holiday events at the library have been well-received.“In 2019, it was like a Harry Potter holiday magic theme, and it was really well-attended,” she said.The event will take place from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the library. Harkleroad said she hopes to see people come to the library for the event, but return in the future for further reading.“We have definitely missed seeing our library regulars,” Harkleroad said. “So this is such a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with the library if you haven't been here in a while.”More information about the Flannel Forest Fest is available at butlerlibrary.info.<b> This story is shared with you as a digital media exclusive. To read the full story and support our local, independent newsroom, please subscribe at butlereagle.com. </b>
