The Ashville library has numerous regularly scheduled events each week for the children in the area. One such event occurs on Thursdays and is titled Storytime with Mormor. This sees a story being read to the children that gather around. For multiple years now, library staff have arranged for a Santa to come in and participate in the reading close to the winter season. While this is still planned for this year, there is a second event planned that will see Santa stopping by the weekend before as well.

This year, a second standalone event will be held which will have both Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance. Library Director Kristina Benson stated that the two festive figures will be bringing along hot chocolate and various snacks. Santa will be reading to the children at both events, and will answer letters that the children have submitted before the event, said Benson. Benson noted that this additional event expands the potential number of those that are able to attend. This is because many people were previously not able to attend the Thursday show due to work or school. With this addition, more children and families from the area have the chance to support the library during a joyous holiday celebration.

The ability to have Santa and Mrs. Claus in attendance has been made possible due to the generosity of certain members of the community. Rick Rupprecht is one of these community members, who is volunteering his services as the Santa for the Thursday event. On Saturday, repeated volunteer Slyvia Oettenger, and her husband, will be taking over the roles. The event is open to any member of the community, and Benson encouraged anyone who can to attend.

“We are always excited to reach out to our community. We’re very proud to be such an excellent children’s library, always offering new events and programming for our young ones,” said Benson. “As I said, we’re excited to be able to offer a visit from Santa for kids who are in school as well. We are an open, inclusive, and inviting library, and we’re just always striving to reach as many community members as possible.”

Sophie the Service Dog is pictured.

A range of other new events will also be occurring at the library this winter season. Benson said the library will be hosting numerous craft making experiences all throughout the week of Dec. 15. These craft sessions will be located in the upstairs of the library, and are also open to anyone that wishes to attend. The library will also be hosting a Teen Time on Dec. 22 and 23. The teen time will allow slightly older kids to come in and enjoy some holiday movies, along with provided snacks and drinks. The teen time will take place from 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. both days.

The Thursday Santa visit will take place on Dec. 18 at 10:30 a.m. The Saturday visit will occur on Dec. 13 at 11:00 a.m. For any further information contact (716)-763-9906.

Kids listening closely to a story being read by Santa.