CHRISTMAS is fast approaching and Okehampton Library staff are getting into the festive spirit with a packed programme of events and things to do during the next few weeks.
On December 16, between 3.45pm and 4.45pm, there will be a craft and storytime session for children over the age of five — places are limited and the tickets are available in advance from the library, priced 50p.
The under-fives can enjoy a Christmas Lanterns activity session between 2.30pm and 3pm on Tuesday December 23 — this event is free.
There is also a reminder that children can contact Santa by e-mail at the library this year.
Adult readers are invited to join the library staff for coffee and mince pies on December 18, between 10.30am and 11.30am. There is also the chance to win three free video loan vouchers — just enter the crossword competition, sheets available in the library.
Videos, CDs and cassettes borrowed after December 15 will be available to keep until the New Year, for just the price of a week's hire fee.
Anyone coming in to the library to stock up on books over the Christmas holidays can also take home a mystery read. The surprise books have been wrapped by staff and must not be opened until Christmas Day. They could be a racy novel or a tale of excitement and suspense, but library staff hope readers will enjoy the opportunity to discover an author they may not have encountered before. A slip is included in the package for readers to record comments.
Okehampton Library will close for the Christmas break at noon on Christmas Eve, re-opening on Friday January 2, 2004.