The jolly gift-giver spends time at the River Forest Public Library every year for “Stories with Santa.” This year, you will find him at the Upstairs Fireplace at 735 Lathrop Ave. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.
“We rotate the children through a series of different things,” said Children’s Services Manager Amy Grossman. “They do a craft and write a letter to Santa or draw a picture for Santa. Then they have a short story time at one of our fireplaces. Then they go and visit with Santa. They get to sit on Santa’s lap and tell Santa what they want for Christmas.”
A library staff member takes photos which are posted on the library’s children’s blog. Parents are welcome to also photograph their kids with Santa. Afterwards, the kids are treated to cookies and can checkout books.
“It’s a really fun, exciting event. We love doing it,” Grossman said. “A lot of children associate the library with Santa.”
For details, call (708) 366-5205 or go to www.riverforestlibrary.org.
Also on Santa’s schedule
We don’t know how he does it but you can also have “Cookies & Cocoa with Santa,” 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at the Nineteenth Century Charitable Association, 178 Forest Ave., Oak Park. There will be craft projects, holiday music and face painting, in addition to the goodies. The cost is $15 per family of 4; $5 for each additional person.
For details, call (708) 386-2729 or go to www.nineteenthcentury.org.
You’re invited
…to a Holiday Open House, 1-4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12 at Franklin Park Public Library, 10311 Grand Ave. There will be a storytime for kids, mini-meeting of the Anime Club for teens and activities for adults, plus live musical entertainment.
For details, call (847) 455-6016 or go to www.fppld.org.
A third Santa sighting
There will be craft projects, a chance to write a letter to Santa and a visit by the man in red during Santa Saturdays at Scoville Square, noon-3 p.m. Dec. 12 and 19 at 137 N. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park. A holiday magic show will be part of the festivities on Dec. 19.
For details, go to hemingwaydistrict.com.
Training program
Kids will decorate the wooden train layout at Wonder Works during Holiday Trains, 10 a.m.-noon Friday, Dec. 18 at 6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park. They will also make a train-themed holiday decoration to take home at this drop-in event which is free with museum admission.
For details, call (708) 383-4815 or go to wonder-works.org
