Local libraries have lots of free events for month of December

Interior of the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library. (CONTRIBUTED)

Credit: Andy Snow

Credit: Andy Snow

Interior of the main branch of the Dayton Metro Library. (CONTRIBUTED)

Winter has arrived in the Dayton region and some are looking for activities indoors, away from the bitter cold.

Libraries across the Miami Valley, beyond just offering a warm place to read and learn, are conducting special events for guests of all ages and interests.

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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