A SPECIAL programme of Christmas events will be running in libraries across the county next month.
Adults and children are being invited to get into the Christmas spirit and visit their local library to celebrate the festive season.
Free events include Christmas craft sessions for adults and children, festive author led storytelling events, seasonal Rhymetime and Storytelling sessions, and a lively orchestral production of ‘A Christmas Carol’.
On Saturday, December 3 children can join children’s author and performer Ed Boxall and master-musician Naomi Burrell for festive fun at Rye library. Ed and Naomi will be performing an exciting new show that includes inspirational illustrations, splendid stories, marvellous movement, and magnificent music.
Professional storyteller and author Wendy Shearer will be celebrating the magic of Christmas, telling traditional folktales, myths and legends to children and adults at Crowborough, Uckfield and Lewes libraries on Saturday, December 10.
Children’s Christmas crafting sessions will be taking place in Battle, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Hampden Park, Hastings, Hollington, Lewes and Rye libraries throughout December, while bauble crafting drop-in sessions will be held in all East Sussex libraries from December 12. Families will be able to pop into any library and decorate a bauble to go on a felt Christmas tree in the library.
On the afternoon of Saturday, December 3 children aged 6 years and over can enjoy Christmas stories and have fun with simple festive craft activities at Lewes library. Christmas Stories and Crafts sessions will also run at Peacehaven and Newhaven libraries on December 17.
Adults can join sociable origami and card making craft sessions accompanied by mince pies at libraries including Battle, Crowborough, Hampden Park, Hastings and Hollington on various dates leading up to Christmas.
Throughout December, Christmas themed Rhymetime sessions where babies, toddlers and their parents or carers can have fun singing, playing musical instruments and learning rhymes, will be taking place in libraries across the county.
Festive Storytelling sessions for children under five and their parents and carers will also be taking place at libraries in Battle (December 7 and 14), Hampden Park (December 15) and Hastings (December 19).
In a Christmas musical treat for children of all ages, the London Mozart Players will present an orchestral version of Charles Dickens ‘A Christmas Carol’ at Eastbourne, Hastings and Seaford libraires (December 19, 20 and 21). Festive seasons past, present and future will combine in this seasonal treat which will be the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit.
Cllr Claire Dowling, lead member for transport and environment at East Sussex County Council, said “Your local library is a great place to celebrate the Christmas holiday season. With free events taking place in libraries across East Sussex, there is something for everyone this Christmas.
“I encourage residents to visit their library next month and join in the festivities. You’ll also be able to find out what other services are available. Everyone is welcome and while you don’t have to be a library member to attend an event, remember it is free to join your local library.”
All the Christmas events in East Sussex libraries are free but booking may be required. For more information and to book, please visit eastsussex.gov.uk/Christmas.
Details about East Sussex libraries and the services on offer are available at eastsussex.spydus.co.uk.