The Vogelson branch of the Camden County library system in Voorhees will be busy this holiday season.
“We have a lot going on in December,” Young Adult Librarian Christen Orbanus said.
The librarian, who has been with the library for three years, said there are several programs geared for preschool aged children and a couple of programs aimed at middle school students as well.
On Dec. 15, there will be a preschool craft corner for children aged 2 to 5. It starts at 10:30 a.m.
Registration is open three weeks prior to the event.
On Dec. 17, there will be story time with Darby the therapy cat. Participants will hear stories about the holidays and get pictures taken with the cat, who is owned by a librarian.
The event starts at 10:30 a.m. and is open to people of all ages.
On Dec. 22, there will be a kids craft corner for kindergarten through third grade students. The event will have a winter theme.
That starts at 4:30 p.m.
On Dec. 28, children 3 to 8 will take part in the “Snowman Jamboree,” which includes stories, songs, and games about snowmen. The jamboree runs from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
On Dec. 29, at 11:15 a.m., the library will host “Read in the New Year.” The event is in its third year at the library.
People will hear stories about New Year’s, do crafts, and “ring in the year” with a countdown until noon. It is open to all.
“That way they’re up for it and they get why we celebrate New Year’s,” Orbanus said.
“We do pretty well here,” she added. “All of our events are very well attended, especially for our younger kids that come in.”
Orbanus said the toddler and preschool age programs are the most popular and that most programs fill up quickly.
Depending on program there are as many as 15 to 25 participants.
She said one challenging aspect is getting time off the desk to go shopping for items needed in programs.
“We have so much fun doing it,” Orbanus said. “I think we enjoy it so much we don’t really have trouble getting it together.
“I think it’s just lovely seeing kids come to the library and want to be at the library,” she added. “They love their stories and they love their crafts — it’s pretty cool.”
Orbanus also remarked on how the role of the public library has changed over the years.
“It’s much more of a community center atmosphere these days,” she said. “When I was a child you came to the library, you were quiet, you got your books, you did your research, you left.
“Now you come, you play, you have a good time,” Orbanus said, noting how children are encouraged to move around during story time.
And what’s on her wish list?
“I would love to do a program geared for moms and moms to be,” she said, noting moms and expectant mothers can make items for themselves or other expectant mothers. “We love crafting here,”
It would be unique for moms since most programs provided are for kids.
All library events are free.
