The days may be getting shorter, and the nights longer, and the winds may blow, causing the boat to be cancelled due to High Seas—but at Avalon Library, we are setting up for a month of exciting programs for all ages and sensibilities!
On Dec. 12 at 4 p.m., we’re particularly excited to welcome back the LA County Library’s “MakMa” Makerspace team to the island.
We haven’t had them here since before the pandemic in 2020, but some of you will remember that we used to have a special guest expert who would create a STEM based activity for kids to enjoy. Previously, our MakMa Librarian brought Ozobot robots to teach coding, or Synth Bits to teach circuitry and music.
This time, we’ll be teaching engineering through the creation of an ingenious marble run! We’re excited to have MakMa back monthly for at least the next few months.
For the younger set, we’re excited to host an appearance by magician-comedian California Joe on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m. We had California Joe a few years back, and this time we’re excited that he’ll be presenting a program combining magic and the story of America’s National Parks.
Have you ever dreamed of a career in fashion design? Would you like to learn how to draw models and clothes to create your own fashions? On Wednesday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m., we’ll be hosting a special visit by teaching artist Claudia Hindu, who is going to offer a tutorial on drawing for fashion. We actually had this class about four years ago and it was really well attended, so we figured that another generation of Avalonian might enjoy it as well!
Of course, we’re going to be continuing our Smarty Pants Storytime series on Saturdays at 11 am, which is for the preschool set. Let’s get ready for school! Enjoy books, songs, rhymes, and movement while learning school readiness skills and having fun. Saturday morning storytime at the library has become a tradition for some island families, and we are proud to help kids with their reading and attention skills.
Also a perennial event at the library is our Creation Station, where we provide a small arts and crafts project for kids on Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Past projects have included decorating your own tote bag, building your own foam mandala, and creating a mosaic trivet! The crafts are accompanied by a learning component to enhance the experience. We usually offer 24 projects per event, so supplies are limited and it’s first come, first served.
For more mature visitors, we’re also delighted to continue our twice monthly history talks with Avalon Historian Chuck Liddell, on Wednesday December 13 and 27 at 2 pm. This program is a local gem and is a delightful event for locals and day trip visitors alike! The talks usually consist of a brief lecture on a historical topic of Mr. Liddell’s choosing (such as the story of the Great Fire of 1915, or the History of the Wrigley Family on the island), and is followed by a question and answer session about anything the visitors want to talk about. Usually, but not always, thank heavens, that will include the question “how did the bison get onto the island?” and “Did they ever gamble at the Casino?”
And, in the days ahead, expect us to announce the winners of this year’s Library Book Mark Contest! After a round of judging from many of the island’s luminaries, we’re set to present the winner from each age group. Expect some prizes and surprises all round. And stay in touch with Avalon Library for changes and additions to our schedule!
