New spin to annual Christmas party Betha Gutsche 2009-01-06T19:29:56Z 2009-01-06T19:29:56Z

Stan, this sounds like a really successful event on many fronts &#045;&#045;&#045;outreach to the community, promoting love of reading, inclusion of key stakeholders, diversity, and just plain fun and celebration.<br /><br />I didn&#039;t find the photos but I hope your idea is an inspiration to other libraries.

Betha Gutsche 2009-01-06T19:29:56Z Stan Aten 2008-12-25T18:46:24Z 2008-12-25T18:46:24Z

For the past three years, the Friends group at the Hampton Illinois Library &#040;Dallas Public Library branch&#041; has hosted a Christmas party for the children who use the library. As part of the party, the Friends and local donators buy new books which the children get to select with the help of Santa.<br /><br />This year, we added special guest readers. These readers included a city councilman, a member of the Dallas Parks Board and a local justice of the peace. They read stories in English &amp; Spanish. There were about 100 children &amp; adults for the party and every child got a new book with books left over for next year.<br /><br />There are photos of this party at the Friends of the Dallas Public Library website under Friends Activities.

Stan Aten 2008-12-25T18:46:24Z