Resource Sharing

Spotlight on Sharing: Making and Giving Holiday Gifts at the Library

By Amy Hitchner: Published on
Resource Sharing

With holiday season is right around the corner, it’s a great time for making and giving gifts. Several Colorado libraries are putting a twist on the season with fun and interesting events, from crafting and cooking to community-centered giving. Don’t see your event listed below? Email Amy Hitchner, ahitchner@coloradovirtuallibrary.org, to add it.

Vail Public Library has several opportunities to make unique holiday gifts this season.

  • Kids are invited to make holiday gifts on Friday, November 11 from 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
  • On Wednesday, November 30 at 5:30 pm, patrons can build a holiday terrarium. All materials will be provided, but space is limited and RSVPs are required. Contact Liz Willhoff at 970-479-2190 or email lwilhoff@vailgov.com.
  • Vail is also hosting a Paper Lantern Making Workshop with local paper artist Helen Hiebert on Wednesday, December 21 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The event is free and family friendly. Children must be accompanied by an adult. RSVP to meppard@vailgov.com or 970-479-2344.
  • The Family Fireside Holiday Party, December 15 at 5:00 pm, features holiday crafting and caroling. The library will also be collecting food donations for the Vail Valley Salvation Army.

More info about these and other programs are available on the Vail Library calendar.

Mamie Doud Eisenhower Library is offering two holiday crafting programs.

  • Thrifty Gifter: Holiday Crafts is on Thursday, December 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This event is open to all ages—no registration is required.
  • December Decorating Day, takes place on Saturday, December 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Children ages 3 and up, accompanied by an adult, are invited to make 3 holiday ornaments. No registration required, but supplies are limited.

Mesa County Libraries and Grand Valley Catholic Outreach are working together to help local needy families during the holidays. From November 16 through December 10, 2016, select a gift request from the Giving Trees at the Central Library, Clifton, De Beque, Fruita, and Palisade locations. Then bring back your unwrapped gift to the library. Gift wishes are from all ages, from newborns to seniors.

Eagle Valley Library District has some fun, holiday-inspired events coming up.

  • On Monday, November 14 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, create your own glass trinket or holiday ornament with Jennifer Kennedy of Dewey Dabbles. Reserve your spot by calling the library at 328-8800. Event details are on the library website.
  • Looking for a unique gift idea that also supports local authors? Look no further than the Local Author Expo, hosted by Eagle Valley Library District on Thursday, December 1 from 5:00 – 8:00 pm. Connect with local authors, ask questions and advice, and purchase signed copies of their books. The event is free and will feature refreshments and a silent auction benefiting the Eagle County Historical Society. A full list of participating authors is on the library event page.

Pine River Library is hosting a DIY Holiday Series in November and December. For a small materials fee, participants can make a variety of holiday crafts and gifts.

  • DIY Holiday: Card Making is November 10 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Participants will make 5 cards that can either be gifted together as a note card set or sent as individual greeting cards to friends.
  • DIY Holiday: Cake Decorating 101 is November 16 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The class is taught by Amanda Streeter of Street’s Sweets.
  • DIY Holiday: Body Care Products is November 29 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. Participants will make two lip balms, a deodorant, and an exfoliating salt scrub.
  • DIY Holiday: Soap Making is December 7 from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. This class is for high school and older.

See the Pine River Library events calendar for details and the links to register.

Poudre River Public Library District is offering a crafting event for tweens and teens on Saturday, November 19 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. All materials will be provided at the Holiday Creation for Teens event, though registration is required and space is limited. See the library’s event calendar for details.

Louisville Public Library has put a different spin on crafting with their Make and Take program. Stop by their Makerspace for a new craft each week. They leave out the instructions and materials, and in about 15 minutes patrons can create a family-friendly craft to take home. Previous crafts have included decoupage coasters and yarn star ornaments.

This post is part of the Spotlight on Sharing initiative, which aims to increase the visibility of resource sharing in Colorado libraries. Is your library offering a holiday craft or gift event? The Colorado library community would love to hear about it! Email Amy Hitcher, ahitchner@coloradovirtuallibrary.org. On Twitter follow @hitchlib and use the hashtag #spotlightonsharing.

Amy Hitchner
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