Refuel for the holidays at the library 

Published 4:11 pm Tuesday, December 13, 2016

It’s going to be a fun week at the library. Come in and we’ll help you keep your holiday groove greased.

Got questions about recipes or decorations for the holidays? Reference librarian Jennifer Mattern knows the library’s cooking section like Einstein knew space/time, and she can help you find recipes, traditional to nuevo, for anything from the roast beast to the cocktail.

Got a decorating question? See circulation manager Lynn Wills. Whether you want to jollify your digs or add an air of ethereal beauty, Lynn knows the books with just the decorating ideas you need.

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If Jennifer and Lynn aren’t around, all library staff are “Santa Certified” for holiday assistance. Or, don’t seek assistance at all, but just take a pleasant break from the holiday whirl with some time to quietly sit, look through books and recharge your imagination.

Take a look at the Santa Claus display in the Community Room side case in the library’s front foyer. There you will see images of Santa from the 16th through 21st century. Santa has worn a lot of hats and a lot of different suits, too, and he’s kind and jolly in them all. There’s a coffee table book…Sartorial Santa.

At the back of the library’s reference section, in the bay windowed area, take a look at the Puppen holiday photographs. You’ll see that the Puppens live it up this time of year. Normally bons vivants, the Puppens really make things merry and bright around the winter solstice. Who knows, you may get some decorating ideas from them? If you’d like their recipe for toast, which is one of their favorite solstice foods, stop by my office and I’ll be glad to give it to you.

While you’re wondering through the library stacks, take time to look at the beautiful wreaths that have been donated to the library’s Read-for-a Wreath program. Thanks to all the groups, individuals and businesses who donated wreaths for the program this year. I’ll have news next week of who won which wreath prize.

Those prizes will be awarded Friday, Dec. 16, during the library’s holiday open house, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. There will be coffee, tea, cookies and treats available all day. Come in and snack — this is the most wonderful snacking time of the year.

Remember from 1-3 p.m. Friday, Winchester author Jennifer Music will be at the library signing her new novel “Daughters of Men.” Jennifer is a wonderful writer and if you’re looking for a special, surprise present for the literature lover on your list, Jennifer’s book will be perfect.

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, Kentucky Picture Show presents a movie that always brings a glow to the heart and wings to angels. The feature is the 1946 classic starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed about an angel who helps a compassionate but despairingly frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he never existed.

At noon Thursday, Book Lunch attendees will discuss a new book by Alex Palmer called “The Santa Claus Man.” It’s the story of John Duval Gluck, Jr. a Jazz age celebrity rubbing shoulders with the era’s movie stars and politicians and planning to erect a vast Santa Claus monument in the center of Manhattan until Gotham’s crusading charity commissioner discovers some dark secrets in Santa’s workshop. The rise and fall of the Santa Claus Association is a caper both heartwarming and hardboiled, involving stolen art, phony Boy Scouts, a kidnapping, pursuit by the FBI, a Coney Island bullfight, and above all, the thrills and dangers of a wild imagination.

Come to the library where you can find, refuel or just top off your Holiday ho-ho-ho!