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December News
What’s Happening at Your Library
In December 2024, the library is abuzz with activity as we gear up for the holiday season. Our news round-up includes updates on new acquisitions, upcoming events, and exciting collaborations with local community organizations. We constantly work to enhance our collection and provide resources catering to our patrons’ diverse interests.
Remember to use our extensive databases, which offer information on various topics. From research articles to academic journals, our digital resources are valuable tools for students, scholars, and lifelong learners. Explore new interests, expand your knowledge, and stay informed with our online offerings.
New Hublet Tablets
We now offer six self-service Hublet Tablets for use within the building. These new devices aim to provide valuable digital experiences for patrons, featuring profiles that educate, entertain, and enhance engagement with library services. If you forget your device or need an extra for a family member to use in the library, visit the Hublet Tablets kiosk at the Tech Center.
Join us on TikTok
Find reading inspiration from your library!
Toys For Tots
PCL has four boxes throughout the library: one in the lobby, one near the front desk, one in the Barclay Family Children’s wing, and one near the Friends’ Book Shop.
Donation Requirements: Ages up to 12, but extended to 14-16.
New, unwrapped toys are welcome. Toys for Tots would rather our donors consider an appropriate gift for their child/relative, purchase the item, and donate it.
Does NOT accept realistic-looking weapons and gifts with food. If donated, such items will NOT be distributed.
Featured Events
Youth Services will take a Storytime Break from December 16-January 10
Thank you all for your interest and for attending our storytimes!
Due to high demand, indoor storytimes are for LCLC and My First Library (Share) cardholders living in Parkland School District or paying nonresidents—one session per family only. Please select a storytime appropriate for your child’s age.
A Snowy Day StoryWalk
During the storytime break, please enjoy our StoryWalk at the library in the native garden.
Coming Soon: Winter Reading
The Winter Reading Challenge returns in January 2025.
Don’t let the chilly weather keep you from exploring new worlds and expanding your knowledge. Grab a cup of hot cocoa, snuggle up with a blanket, and immerse yourself in the beautiful stories waiting for you. Encourage your little ones to join in on the fun – reading together can create lasting memories and inspire a love for books that will last a lifetime. Expand your library use and open doors to services, eResources, and more!
Track your progress with the easy-to-use app Beanstack!
A Note About Library Book Clubs for 2025
Reading lists will be available in our events calendar under each Book Club entry through a Google Document.
For questions, contact Adult Services or Youth Services via email.
Christmas at Hogwarts
December 18
Presented by
The Teen Advisory Board
Families will enjoy a school-age storytime and holiday wonderland filled with Harry Potter magic!
For ages 7 and up.
Game Day
December 20
Adult Services
Let the games begin! Join us for a fun-filled afternoon of games and laughter! Held on the third Friday of every month, starting at 1PM, Game Day is the perfect opportunity to make new friends and engage in friendly competition. Participants are welcome to bring their own games to share or choose from the library’s diverse collection. Come alone or bring your friends—everyone is invited!
The Snowy Day Movie Pajama Party
December 27
Put on your coziest clothes and watch a movie! What better way to continue celebrating our featured StoryWalk book, The Snowy Day, by Ezra Jack Keats, than with a pajama party? Now that you have read the book in the library’s native plant garden, put on your PJs, bring a stuffy, a blanket, and watch the film version. You will also get an incredible surprise sweet treat!
Teen Anime Club
December 11
Calling all Otakus! Our club meets monthly to watch anime, chat, and sample yummy snacks! In addition to viewing anime, we hope to share our love for Japanese culture. Attendees are encouraged to share recently viewed anime music videos, convention news, food, mangas, and even cosplaying. Stop by the YA section of the library and grab a manga on the way out!
Grades 6-12. Drop-in!
December is
National Cat Lovers’ Month
This month, take the time to appreciate the companionship and joy cats bring to our lives. Cat enthusiasts often mark the occasion by treating their feline friends to extra attention, fun toys, and festive treats. We love cats, too, and have created a booklist for those who can’t get enough of our feline friends! We emphasize the importance of providing loving homes and caring for these cherished companions. Remember to press paws and live in the meow!
December 5-
International Volunteer Day
On this International Volunteer Day, let’s celebrate the power of giving back! Volunteering enriches lives, strengthens communities, and brings us all closer together. If you’re uninvolved, now’s a great time to join your library’s efforts. Find a cause you’re passionate about and make a difference today! At PCL and The Friends group, we seek dedicated adults and teens who want to make a difference. We offer positions for event assistants, shelvers, shopkeepers, and fundraising.
We Recommend These New Titles
Looking for some reading recommendations for the month? Look no further! Our librarians have curated a selection of must-read books across various genres, from bestselling fiction to thought-provoking non-fiction. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming holiday story or a gripping mystery, we’ve got you covered.
Adult Holiday Collection—A small display will be on the shelf outside the Tech Center. This location will house the collection, giving patrons year-round access.
Holidays Around the World
A curated collection of children’s books by our Youth Services librarians for those eager to learn about world culture and traditions.
Celebrate The Holidays
December 25: Christmas, Hanukkah Begins | December 26: Boxing Day, Kwanzaa Begins
Check out these great titles and collections!
Hoopla and Kanopy are free at-home streaming services courtesy of your library for Parkland School District and Northwestern residents only!
Home Viewing for the Holidays
Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly content to entertain the whole family, holiday-themed films to get into the seasonal spirit, or your favorite shows to drown out the maddeningly repetitive sounds of Christmas music, Kanopy has got you covered. Our easy-to-use application makes it simple to access your favorite holiday movies and shows on the go or from home on your TV, mobile device, or tablet.
Hanukkah
December 25-January 2
Celebrate Hanukkah traditions, stories, and songs with this charming Hanukkah for Kids collection on hoopla. Bring the magic of the holiday to life!
Christmas
December 25
Unwrap hoopla’s Christmas for Kids collection, which includes a mix of festive stories, and spread some holiday cheer this season!
Kwanzaa
December 26-January 1
Experience and learn about this family, community, and culture celebration with hoopla’s Kwanzaa collection.
Annual Report
23-2024 We are pleased to announce that the 2023-2024 Annual Report is now available for viewing. We want to extend our heartfelt appreciation to our patrons for their continued support and participation in the various programs offered at the library. Your engagement plays a crucial role in fostering a vibrant and enriching community. As a…
Hublet Tablets
New for November 2024 Starting in November 2024, the Parkland Community Library will offer six self-service Hublet Tablets for use within the library building. These new devices aim to provide valuable digital experiences for patrons, featuring profiles that educate, entertain, and enhance engagement with library services. If you forget your device or need an extra…
Grade Level Expectations
Understanding Grade-Level Expectations for Reading Where Is My Reader? How Can I Help Them Grow? How do I know what my child’s reading level should be? If you are told that your child is reading “below grade level,” “on grade level,” or “above grade level,” you have a right to understand what that means. No…