Several of these events are themed to the holiday season, including concerts, craft seminars, movie nights and more. However, for those who don’t celebrate the holidays, or just might want a break from Rudolph and friends, there are plenty of non-holiday events, too.
Whether you’re interested in writing, Harry Potter, mental health education or even juggling, December has a lot to offer at many libraries in the region. Here is a guide to some of those:
🏫Dayton Metro Library events
📚Movie Night Winter Holidays Edition
When: 3:30-5 p.m. Dec. 11
Where: Northwest Branch: 2410 Philadelphia Drive, Dayton
Registration Required?: No
More info: Celebrating the holiday season, the Dayton Metro Library will host a special movie night featuring multiple short films. Guests will learn about different winter holidays including the Winter Solstice, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.
📚Puppet Task Force: Script Revision Unit
When: 4-5 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Miamisburg Branch: 545 E. Linden Ave., Miamisburg
Registration Required?: No
More info: This is a behind-the-scenes look at the Dayton Metro Library’s marionette puppet shows. Guests will become a part of the playwriting process, updating one of the library’s older show for new audience. Working together as a writers room, the group will have to incorporate aspects such as modern pop-culture references while staying true to the original source material. This event is designed for teens.
📚Westside Winter Wonderland
When: 4-5 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: West Branch: 300 Abbey Ave., Dayton
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: Multiple activities and a giveaway.
📚Genealogy Basics: How to Get Started
When: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Main Library: 215 E. Third St., Dayton
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: Dedicated to genealogy, or the study of families and family history. Adult-oriented class teaching the basics of collecting information, keeping track of information and what resources the library offers to help guests’ searches.
📚Intro to Juggling
When: 2-3 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Electra C. Doren Branch: 701 Tory St., Dayton
Registration Required?: No
More info: Geared toward kids and tweens and teaches the basics of juggling three balls.
📚New Year, New Party Hats
When: 4-5 p.m. Dec. 30
Where: Trotwood Branch: 855 E. Main St., Trotwood
Registration Required?: No
More info: Craft event for elementary school students. Guests will be making a unique New Year’s party hat.
🏫Greene County Public Library
📚Self-care for the Holidays
When: 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Carol Graff Beavercreek Library: 3618 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: Workshop led by self-care facilitator Aleah Vassell and designed for adults who might face stress as a result of the holidays. Explores the process of self-care and the importance of mental health.
📚A Christmas Concert at the Bellbrook Presbyterian Church
When: 7-8 p.m. Dec. 12
Where: Bellbrook Presbyterian Church: 72 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: The Bellbrook Presbyterian Church and the Winters-Bellbrook Community Library have teamed up to host a holiday-themed concert at the church. Music will be performed by Beavercreek Brass, playing seasonal classics and lesser-known pieces.
📚Winters Wonderland
When: 3-5 p.m. Dec. 17
Where: Winters-Bellbrook Community Library: 57 W. Franklin St., Bellbrook
Registration Required?: No
More info: During the all-ages Winters Wonderland event, guests are able to create holiday crafts together until 4 p.m. After, Lafferty Pike will take the stage for their Christmas Around the World concert. First 50 guests will receive a free hot chocolate or coffee from the Traveling Tom’s Coffee Truck.
📚Interactive Movie: ‘Home Alone’
When: 2:30-4:30 p.m. Dec. 21
Where: Carol Graff Beavercreek Library: 3618 Dayton-Xenia Road, Beavercreek
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: A screening of “Home Alone” for families, complete with popcorn and candy. During the movie, guests can play an interactive game. This event is designed for kids8-12.
📚Noon Year’s Eve Party
When: 11 a.m.-noon Dec. 31
Where: Fairborn Community Library: 1 E. Main St., Fairborn
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: For kids ages 3-8. A family-friendly version of a traditional New Year’s Eve countdown.
🏫Clark County Public Library
📚Rudolph’s Holiday Workshop Wonderland
When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dec. 14
Where: Main Library: 201 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
Registration Required?: No
More info: The rotunda of the Clark County Public Library’s Main Library will be transformed into a holiday workshop during this event. Guests younger than 18-years-old will be able to explore the area, meet characters, take photos and more.
📚Adulting 101 Series: Banking
When: 4-5 p.m. and 6:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 18
Where: Main Library: 201 S. Fountain Ave., Springfield
Registration Required?: No
More info: Two sessions are available on Dec. 18 for this personal banking seminar. Led by WesBanco’s Jody Grump Jr., the class will teach guests how to open a bank account, obtain and loan and more. This seminar is aimed at guests age 12 through 25.
🏫Other Libraries
📚Triwizard Tournament
When: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Dec. 19
Where: Lebanon Public Library: 101 S. Broadway, Lebanon
Registration Required?: Yes
More info: Themed around the Harry Potter Franchise, the Lebanon Public Library’s Triwizard Tournament event will see guests choosing their very own wand and participating in a scavenger hunt across the library. There will also be a variety of wizard-themed crafts, dancing to the music at the Yule Ball and more. Guests are encouraged to wear Harry Potter attire.
📚Glow Party at the Oakes-Beitman Memorial Library
When: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Dec. 20
Where: Oakes-Beitman Memorial Library: 12 N. Main St., Pleasant Hill
Registration Required?: No
More info: The Oakes-Beitman Memorial Library will be lit with blacklights and glowsticks during this all-ages event. Games and activities will also be available.
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Don’t see your event on the list? Email alex.cutler@coxinc.com to get it added.
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