The holiday spirit will fill the air when the Friends of the Manheim Community Library hold the annual Holiday Crossings event. It will take place on Saturday, Dec. 4, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at the historic Manheim train station, 210 S. Charlotte St.
Santa will greet children both days from noon to 2 p.m., said Stacey Gibble Barrick, president of the Friends, who added, "He'll be joined by an elf, who is Andrea Black, our library director, and there will be a naughty or nice book to sign, and kids always get a little treat from Santa."
Holiday-themed children's books will be spotlighted at the event's book sale, which will also include a wide of variety of titles for adults and children. "We have bestselling authors and lots of high-quality books," Barrick noted, adding that the books make great low-cost Christmas gifts.
Holiday Crossings will also feature a gift shop full of handmade and unique items, as well as a giveaway basket drawing. "Manheim businesses have donated items, and there are a variety of themed baskets," Barrick stated. "The baskets are perfect to give for Christmas if you win one."
The Friends will also operate a Cozy Cafe during the event, featuring hot food and drinks.
Next door to the event, the Manheim Historical Society will feature its miniature train display during Holiday Crossings. "It's really cool," Barrick noted. "It's been customized to Manheim, and it's really something to see."
Holiday Crossings is an opportunity for the Friends to recognize members and recruit new ones, Barrick said. A specially commissioned Friends of the Manheim Community Library holiday ornament will be available for members who give at the Patron level or higher. "This is their day to come pick up their handblown Stiegel Glassworks holiday ornament," Barrick explained. "It's a special edition every year, and the design will be revealed at the event."
She noted that the Friends have a goal of 250 members. Money raised by the group is used to support operations of the library, purchase books and fill in funding gaps. "We have committed to raising $30,000 a year that goes directly to the library for their budget shortage," she remarked.
Barrick said Holiday Crossings is the perfect opportunity to pick up some Christmas gifts and kick off the holiday season. "It's beautifully decorated, and it's really festive," she stated. "This will also be the first event the train station has been open for since it closed at the beginning of the pandemic."
For more information on Holiday Crossings, visit https://manheimlibrary.org.
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