The forecast calls for snow and we’re just a week away from Thanksgiving — which means another holiday season is about to get under way.

Not feeling it, you say? Haven’t even started your shopping? That’s okay. We’ve got some great ways to help you get into the holiday spirit, tackle your gift list, and bring a smile to a child’s face too:

  • We’re proud to be an official Marine Corps Toys for Tots drop-off location, and Hasbro just announced that they will donate a new toy or game — up to a MILLION gifts — for every new toy or game donated through Dec. 24! We’ve got a great big box ready for your donations of new, unwrapped toys to help brighten the holidays for less fortunate children. Please help us fill it to the brim for pickup in early December. Toys for Tots has distributed 548 million toys to 251 million kids to date. For more information, visit their website or find them on Facebook.
  • Next, cross some gifts off your list and support the library at the same time by shopping at the annual Friends of the Emmaus Public Library Holiday Book Sale and Reception on Friday, Nov. 30, from 6-8 p.m. in the Margaret Knoll Gardner room. Held in cooperation with the Emmaus Main Street Partners holiday celebration, the sale will feature pre-enjoyed books for all interests and ages in gift-worthy condition at budget-pleasing prices. Wine, punch and cheese will be served, and the Friends will present the library with a ceremonial check representing the organization’s annual contribution of $17,000 raised by the spring book sale and other programs. Since the founding of the organization, the Friends have contributed well over half a million dollars to the library. Just awesome! [Please note the library will be closed during this event.]
  • On Monday, Nov. 26, at 7 p.m., enjoy a night at the ballet with a screening of the colorful holiday classic — Nutcracker: The Motion Picture (1986, G 1h26m) — designed by famed children’s story author and artist Maurice Sendak.
  • Saturday, Dec. 1, take part in the Emmaus Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration taking place throughout downtown Emmaus that includes a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and a tree lighting at Triangle Park. We’ll be hosting an hour of stories, crafts and music here at the library from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Come on by!
  • At 2 p.m. the same day (Sat., Dec. 1), we’ll be showing Arthur Christmas (2011, PG 1h37m), a fun film for the whole family. Follow along as Santa’s youngest son Arthur embarks on a magical adventure to deliver the final gift to a child to save Christmas.
  • On Wednesday, Dec. 5 at 4 p.m., teens (6th grade and up) are invited to come create holiday ornaments for the 12 days of Christmas — which also make great gifts. All supplies are provided!
  • At our next ‘Pinterest Party’ on Monday, Dec. 10, we’ll be making snowflake mason jars — perfect for holiday decorations or teacher gifts. Supplies are provided to the first 30 participants (first come, first served).
  • Fans of Charlie Brown and the Peanuts gang will rejoice on Thursday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m., when the library will show a special double-feature matinee of A Charlie Brown Christmas (1965, TV-G 25m) — in which Charlie Brown tries to find the true meaning of Christmas, and I Want a Dog for Christmas, Charlie Brown (2003, TV-G 41m) in which Snoopy’s brother Spike may be the answer to Rerun’s wish for a dog.
  • Finally, our regular monthly matinee for December will be Love Actually (2003, R 2h15m), which follows the lives of eight very different couples dealing with their love lives in loosely interrelated tales during a frantic month leading up to Christmas in London.

Join us for these fun holiday happenings through the end of the year, and please check our November and December calendars for our holiday schedule and closings.

We look forward to celebrating the season of joy with you!