We’re ready to celebrate the holidays here at Polk County Public Libraries! We have a lot going on in December to delight kids, teens, and grown-ups alike, so check out our full schedule at polklibrary.org. Here’s a sampling of what we’re offering this month…

Children’s programs are at the Columbus Library on Wednesdays at 4 p.m. Make homemade ornaments to take home and hang on your tree on Dec. 13, decorate sugar cookies and sip cocoa while watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on Dec. 20, and create a time capsule to memorialize 2017 on Dec. 27. We’ll also have a special program at Saluda Library on Friday, Dec. 29. A Chimney Rock ranger will present “Build a Peregrine Falcon” and teach us all about this amazing predator’s adaptations and historical relationship to humans.

Teen Scene for middle and high school students is at Saluda Library on Mondays at 4 p.m. and Columbus Library on Thursdays at 4 p.m. This month, teens can play Nintendo Wii U, watch the 2017 film “Everything, Everything” on the big screen, try a variety of hot cocoa, decorate cookies, and make holiday ornaments!

Love to bake? Come to our cookie swap at Columbus Library this Friday at noon. Bring two dozen of your favorite homemade cookies and a copy of your recipe to share. We will provide pizza for lunch.

Looking for a new Christmas decoration? Make an ornament wreath at Saluda Library on Monday, Dec. 11 at 2 p.m. Wreath materials will be provided, but please bring extra ornament balls and register in advance with Amelia at ahill@polklibrary.org or 828-894-8721 ext. 226.

Need a quiet place to wrap your gifts for the season? Both libraries are offering a “Wrap It Up” program where wrapping paper, bows, tape, and other materials will be provided and you can sip on hot chocolate and enjoy festive music while you wrap.

We are also pleased to announce our second annual free holiday family movie night at Tryon Theater. “Elf” was such a huge hit last year that we decided to show it again! Come on Tuesday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. and bring non-perishable food items to donate to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry. Cookies will be provided and the concession stand will be open for additional snack purchases.

We’re all about giving back during the season of giving, so next time you stop in the library check out how you can help us do just that. We have a table set up where you can write holiday cards for White Oak and Autumn Care residents or make dog toys to donate to the adoptable pooches at Foothill Humane Society. “For it is in giving that we receive.” Happy holidays, y’all!

Jen Pace Dickenson is the Youth Services Librarian for Polk County Public Libraries. For information about the library’s resources, programs, and other services, visit www.polklibrary.org or call 828-894-8721.