December Newsletter from the Yarmouth Town Libraries

From the Director

Ah, December. Not really a peaceful time at my house – cards to write, a tree to trim, gifts to wrap, events to plan and an actual social gathering or three to attend. Certainly, a joyful time to spend with family and friends, no matter how brief. The peace comes in watching the winter evening sky arrive and enjoying whatever outdoor time we can find. It has been a hectic year at the libraries, but we’re not complaining. It is great to see folks able to return to life as we remember before March of 2020 ^_many of us, anyway, and most of the time. We are grateful for that, indeed.

-Jane Cain
Library Director

Family-to-Family Giving

Yarmouth Town Libraries are participating in the Family-to-Family Holiday Giving program sponsored by the Cape Cod Division of the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to help families in need and children in foster care. At the South Yarmouth Library, 312 Old Main Street in South Yarmouth, and the West Yarmouth Library at 391 Route 28 in West Yarmouth, you will find a holiday display of gift tags with a child's name and suggested gifts for this child in need. Consider donating a gift card and drop those at the libraries, as well. DCF will utilize the gift cards to help local teens in need. Popular cards include: Burger King, Chipotle, McDonalds, Panera, Subway, Wendy's, Dick's Sporting Goods, Target, Marshalls, Sephora, TJMaxx, Walmart, or video game gift cards such as Xbox, Play Station, or Roblox. Library staff can answer questions about how to participate in the Holiday Giving program; contact ckaufmann@clamsnet.org or call either the West Yarmouth or South Yarmouth Libraries. Gifts and gift cards are due back to the libraries by Thursday, December 15. Thank you!

Holidays Around the World

Get your passport ready! Travel around the world learning about different winter holidays.

Get your travel packet at the South Yarmouth Library from Monday, November 28, through Saturday,
December 3.

Attend Holidays Around the World programs to get your passport stamped.

-Maker Mondays - Each week a different activity is available at South Yarmouth Library and West Yarmouth Library in the children's room.
-Family Fun Days - Have fun learning how different countries celebrate holidays by bringing your family to the Library for one of our family-friendly programs.
-And more! Just look for the Holidays Around the World logo on upcoming programming.

Visit www.yarmouthlibraries.org to learn more. This, like many library programs and events, is funded by the South Yarmouth Library Association.

Holidays Around the World
At-Home Escape Room

Thursday, December 1, through Sunday,
December 18
Kits are available in the Yarmouth Town Libraries Children’s areas at South Yarmouth Library and West Yarmouth Library, while supplies last.

Your family is planning a special holiday celebration, including food, toys and decorations from other countries around the world. Decipher the clues in the kit to gather the celebration essentials before the holiday party begins.

Maker Mondays

In December in the Yarmouth Town Libraries Children’s areas at South Yarmouth Library and West Yarmouth Library:

Monday, December 5: Candle Wreath Crown
Monday, December 12: Decorate a Dreidel
Monday, December 19: Grow your Heart Ornament Tuesday, December 27: Mkeka Mat

Family Fun Days

Saturdays in December in the South Yarmouth Library in the Leonard Room 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Recommended for ages 8+. Children under the age of 8 require adult participation.

Family fun for all. Each Saturday, bring the family to the library to enjoy a family-based activity. Parents are encouraged to participate. To ensure everyone who wants to can participate, registration is recommended. Please register each participating family member. Visit yarmouthlibraries.org, Calendar of Events to register.

December 3 - Happy Hoops
December 10 - Candle Making
December 17 - Latkes and Dreidels

Family Fun Days are funded by the South Yarmouth Library Association.

Adult Program - What is CBD?

Wednesday, December 7, 5:30
South Yarmouth Library
Join us for an information session by Paul Bordé. If you are like a lot of people, you may have questions about Cannabidiol (CBD). What is CBD? Where does it come from? What are the positive effects of using CBD? How do I judge the quality of CBD products? Get answers from Cape resident Paul Bordé, owner of Primabee. No sign up necessary. Tell your friends and neighbors! We are offering this as a hybrid program. A Zoom link will be sent out at noon on the day of the program. Register at yarmouthlibraries.org on the homepage under HAPPENINGS.

The Annual Holiday Cookie Stroll

Is Back!

December 10, from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Rain or Shine
Walk or ride the trolley in and around historical Bass River touring homes and sheds along the way. Enjoy homemade cookies and candy treats. Additional stops include the Cape Cod Cultural Center, the Bass River Yacht Club, Old Main Street Fire Station, United Methodist Church, and St. David's Episcopal Church. You may even see Santa riding his boat along the Bass River. Stop by the South Yarmouth Library for our Open House where holiday breads and door prize items are waiting. Tickets are now on sale online on the Cultural Center website, www.cultural-center.org.

Tickets go on sale at the South Yarmouth Library on Monday, December 5, at 10:00 a.m. and will be available for purchase in person during the week of December 5. Cash or checks only. Tickets are $25.00 each. Children under 12 are free.

Adventures in Storytime

Tuesdays: December 13 and 20 at 10:30 a.m.
South Yarmouth Library
Come and join Storytime! Featuring interactive stories and songs for you and your child. Children need to bring an adult. Birth through 5 years old.

My Own Creation Club

Thursday, December 15, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m.
West Yarmouth Library
The Library provides all the bricks for you to build whatever you choose. For ages 5 and up. Children under 10 years old need to come with an adult.

Teen Ugly Sweater Creation
and Contest

Friday, December 16, from 2:30 - 4:30 p.m.
South Yarmouth Library Leonard Room
For ages 12 and up. Stop by the South Yarmouth Library after school to create a truly ugly holiday sweater. Bring a sweater from home and customize it with all sorts of tinsel and tackiness to your heart's content. After putting the finishing touches on your ugly creation, submit it for online voting to find out which sweater will be crowned the ugliest of them all! Entries will be posted to our social media page for voting on Saturday, December 17, National Ugly Sweater Day!

How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Read by George Bovino

Thursday, December 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
West Yarmouth Library
Don’t be a Grinch! Get in the holiday spirit with child-friendly crafts, activities, and a tasty treat. For all ages. This program is funded by the West Yarmouth Library Association.

Holiday closings at
the Yarmouth Town Libraries:
Closed Sunday, December 25,
and Monday, December 26.
Closed Sunday, January 1,
and Monday, January 2.

Teen Escape Room - Frost

Wednesday, December 28, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
South Yarmouth Library Leonard Room
Your adventure begins here...
Life takes a turn for the mysterious when a lost Wisp whispers in your ear, "Please help, I've lost my memories! Follow this enchanted map to the Winter Faire, complete the trials, and help me remember who I am."

Groups of up to four will work together to help the lost Wisp find the Winter Faire. Can you unravel the clues in time?

Reserve your time slot now by calling 508-760-4820 x1316. For ages 10 and up.

Monthly Book Discussion Group
Malice by Keigo Higashino

Tuesday, December 27, 6:00 p.m. via Zoom
Acclaimed bestselling novelist Kunihiko Hidaka is found brutally murdered in his home on the night before he's planning to leave Japan and relocate to Vancouver. His body is found in his office, a locked room, within his locked house, by his wife and his best friend, both of whom have rock solid alibis. Or so it seems.

Copies of this book are available at both libraries. You can also listen to the audiobook or read the ebook on Overdrive/Libby or listen to the audiobook on the Hoopla app. Please email ckaufmann@clamsnet.org or call the library at 508-760-4820 to register to receive a Zoom link or with any questions.

If you need Zoom help, please call 508-760-4820 to set up a troubleshooting session or if you need any other assistance.

Teen Escape Room - Rebel Revolt

Friday, December 30, 11:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
South Yarmouth Library Leonard Room
Your adventure begins here...
It's treason time in the empire of lies! Your mission: take down the W.A.R. facility before it's too late. Grab your crew, pack your gear, and prepare for action in this daring spy thriller.

Groups of up to four specialists will team up to drop in, disable security, and take down that W.A.R. facility before it wipes us out. Good luck, rebels!

Reserve your time slot now by calling 508-760-4820 x1316. For ages 14 and up.

Take-and-Make a Winter Project

Enjoy clever snowflake templates from the Woods Hole Science Aquarium! Stop by the South Yarmouth or West Yarmouth Library and pick up a fun project for everyone.

Staff Picks: Picture Book

The Little Toymaker
by Cat Min
In a shop that stands alone atop a steep slope, the Little Toymaker--depicted as a child--makes toys, but these are magical and made especially for older people. The story centers on a woman ("Imagine your grandmother," says the narrator to readers), who climbs to the shop with the help of hiking poles. As he works, the Little Toymaker invites her to talk, listening to the woman's stories of her youth and finding inspiration. After he creates the perfect toy for her, she is energized and journeys home joyfully, the walking aids no longer needed. By illustrating the toymaker as a child, Min delivers an understated, effective message about appreciating the lives and experiences of older people and the value they can share with the young.
J PIC Min Reading Age: 3 -7 years old

Database Highlight – Hoopla
Craftsy - Show-Stopping
Make-Ahead Desserts

Learn some make-ahead techniques to create knockout desserts for any occasion. Spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the company of your guests! James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Gale Gand shares strategies to help you create a range of desserts – while balancing your busy schedule. Here is the link: www.hoopladigital.com/title/14328728.

Coming in January
Mark Forest Office Hours

Friday, January 6, 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
South Yarmouth Library
Yarmouth Selectman Mark Forest will hold office hours at the South Yarmouth Library on Friday, January 6. Please call (508) 394-7606 X 1330 to make an appointment. If you can’t make it, feel free to email Mr. Forest at: mark.r.forest@comcast.net.