Each year, the nighttime Santa Claus parade in Bloomfield is the unofficial kick-off of the holiday season in Prince Edward County. This year’s parade is Friday, November 24 and we’ll be open late at the Bloomfield Branch Library with everything you need to write your letter to Santa as and for children to decorate an ornament. Borrow seasonal books or drop in just to warm up. You can also visit our neighbours at the Baxter Arts Centre to create paper or cranberry and popcorn garlands and challenge a friend to a game, and the Empire Inn & Suites will offer hot drinks, cookies and tarts.

On Saturday, November 25 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., the weekly storytime and singalong at the Picton Branch Library will welcome special guests from the South Shore Joint Initiative who will share all about owls. Our thanks to SSJI for their enthusiasm in joining us for storytime.

On Saturday, December 2, Ameliasburgh will be aglow with festive spirit as the community comes together for Christmas in the Village. Take a horse and wagon ride around the community, check out the Belleville Mobile Train display, and more.  The Ameliasburgh Branch Library will have a magic green screen photo booth, book sale and children’s crafts. You can also drop by the town hall for gingerbread cookie decorating and music, and the Marilyn Adams Genealogical Society, and the Ameliasburgh Heritage Village and Schoolhouse for other seasonal activities. That same day, we will participate in Light it Up Wellington at the Wellington Branch. Drop by to decorate the library, make an ornament to take home and enjoy cookies and cider.

Picton’s Santa Claus Parade on Saturday, December 3 will start at 1 p.m. The Picton Branch Library will be open with children’s activities and another opportunity to write a letter to Santa. It’s also a great opportunity to take a peek at the newly expanded branch.

The Friends of the Wellington Branch Library are planning their annual Christmas event to be held this year on Sunday, December 10 at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Wellington.  This annual afternoon of seasonal readings and music is a village favourite. Light refreshments will be served. Free will offering and donations to the Storehouse Foodbank will be accepted.

At the County of Prince Edward Public Library & Archives we are always happy to participate in community events and festivities when possible. If you are planning an event and think we would be a good fit, please reach out to me by email: [email protected] or call (613) 393-3400.  Visit peclibrary.org for the complete schedule of events.

-Liz Zylstra