A visit from Santa Claus, a family movie night, and the ever popular story times for all ages are all on tap for the Atlantic Highlands Branch of the Monmouth County Library in December.
Because of their popularity and the large groups they draw, there are two story times on Wednesday, Dec. 7 and 21 at 10 a.m. one on both days for babies under two years of age and another the same days at 10:15 for youngsters between two and three years of age, along with parents, caregivers and any other youngsters who want to attend.
Thursdays, there are two more programs, an after school story-time for kindergarten and up, on Dec. 1, 8, 15 and 22 at 3:15 and a preschool program for ages 3 to 5 the same days from 4 to 4:30 p.m.
“We never turn down anyone who wants to join in our story-times,” said Children’s librarian Lauren Garcia.
Because of the holidays, there will be no story times on Dec. 28 and 29.
The highlight for all story times and children’s events will be Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 10:15 a.m. but on Dec. 14, come earlier because Santa will be there at 10 a.m. or the regular story-time, and Thursday, Dec. 15 when Santa Claus, who many know as Gordon Saunders, comes to the library to read in person to the children and wish them the magic of the season. His appearance on Wednesday will be at 10 a.m. and twice on Thursday, Dec. 15, when Santa will read at 3:15, and again at 6:30 p.m. The librarian would not disclose which books Santa will be reading, saying the jolly gent likes to keep it as a surprise for his guests.
On Thursday Dec. 22, at 6:30 p.m., the library will present a family movie night. Hosted by the Bayshore Community Success Center, the film “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” will be on the screen at the library. The Center, located at the Henry Hudson Trail Activity Center in Leonardo, is a community-based family-centered neighborhood group that focuses on family support, information and services, enriching the lives of children and their parents while making neighborhood stronger.
In addition to all the story hours, and preschool programs, as well as the visit from Santa and the family Movie night, the library also will feature a Take ‘n Make Craft when youngsters can pick up a craft kit to make at home. Dino-Mite! Will be featured as the craft from Dec. 1 through Dec. 14, and Penguin Pal will be the Dec. 15 to 31 craft.
For further information on these and all the programs at the Atlantic Highlands branch, call 732-291-1956.
