CELEBRATE THE SEASON WITH THE LIBRARY
Celebrate a season of warmth, togetherness, and festive traditions. Explore booklists, cozy activities, and programs for all ages that bring a little extra joy and magic to the winter months.
COZY UP WITH SOME SEASONAL READS
CELEBRATE THE SEASON AT GPLD
Under the Mistletoe! Nostalgic Holiday Favorites (Adults)
Sunday, November 29 • 2:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Celebrate the holiday season with Under the Mistletoe, a festive cabaret performance by Matt and Cynthia Gruel. This lively one-hour program features a mix of beloved seasonal classics, blending upbeat holiday favorites with nostalgic ballads and traditional songs that capture the spirit of the season. Alongside the music, the performers share stories and background behind the songs, adding warmth and context to the celebration. A perfect way to get into the holiday spirit with family and friends.
Disguise a Gingerbread Friend (All Ages)
All December
Stop by the library and transform a gingerbread friend with the cleverest disguise you can imagine. Turn yours into a superhero, animal, book character, holiday favorite, or something totally unique, then display your creation for everyone to see!
First Friday: Holiday Walk Pre-Party! (All Ages)
Friday, December 4 • 4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Come warm up at the Library for a Holiday Walk pre-party and craft while supplies last. You can also get your face painted by the fabulous Terri Mate, while spaces last.
Friends Christmas Walk Book Sale (All Ages)
Friday, December 4 • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ($5 admission from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. only)
Saturday, December 5 • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 6 • 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Find bargains galore! Thousands of gently-used books will be available for purchase at the sale.
Book prices:
• Adult hardcover & paperback, $2
• Adult mass paperback, $1
• Children’s hardcover, $1
• Children’s paperback, $.50
• Board books, $.50
The Friends accept credit cards, cash, and checks at book sales. Money from the sale helps the Friends support Library services and programs that serve youth through adults.
Three Kings Bread / Rosca de Reyes with Chef Violeta (Adults)
Tuesday, December 8 • 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Discover the step-by-step process of preparing and baking a traditional Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Cake) from scratch. Chef Violeta Trujeque, founder of Violet Velvet Cooking Classes, will guide you through the ingredients, techniques, and cultural significance behind this classic holiday bread, served on January 6. This demonstration includes complimentary samples for all participants.
Food Allergies: Food will be used or served in this program. If you have any concerns about food allergies or specific dietary restrictions, please speak with a Library staff member prior to the start of the program.
Holiday Cards with Alcohol Ink (Adults)
Wednesday, December 9 • 10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Monday, December 14 • 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Experiment with fun colors using the alcohol inks to create vibrant backgrounds for your gift cards. We will go over different design techniques from gradients to speckled skyscapes. You’re welcome to make 2 or more cards within the time of the program.
We will provide cardstock, inks, and die cut shapes to cut out additional designs to add to your cards.
To provide everyone with an equal opportunity to attend, please only register for one session.
Christmas on State Street (Adults)
Tuesday, December 15 • 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
For decades, Christmas in Chicago meant a trip or two to State Street to see the big department stores. And the stores went all-out for Christmas! Historian Leslie Goddard Ph.D. traces the history of Christmas celebrations on State Street. Photographs, ads, postcards, menus, and memorabilia trace cherished traditions — from the animated window displays and the Christmas parade to beloved characters like Uncle Mistletoe, the Cinnamon Bear, and of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It’s a heart-warming, nostalgic look back at the holidays of our youth!
Tuesday, December 31 • 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
For decades, Christmas in Chicago meant a trip or two to State Street to see the big department stores. And the stores went all-out for Christmas! Historian Leslie Goddard Ph.D. traces the history of Christmas celebrations on State Street. Photographs, ads, postcards, menus, and memorabilia trace cherished traditions — from the animated window displays and the Christmas parade to beloved characters like Uncle Mistletoe, the Cinnamon Bear, and of course, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. It’s a heart-warming, nostalgic look back at the holidays of our youth!