And just like that, the holiday season is upon us. We have lots of books for inspiration for holiday crafts and foods. We have books that will take you on a vacation in your mind from the comfort of your favorite reading spot. We are a place to get away from everything and collect your thoughts.

Friday, Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. until we run out will be our holiday cookie sale with proceeds benefiting the library. Please, stop by and purchase a sweet treat.

Thursday, Dec. 11 from 4-6 p.m. will be our annual open house. At this time we will let you know how the library has been over the last year: are we in the black? What programs did we offer? Anything interesting over the past year? We have it on good authority that Santa Claus will make a stop to visit the library. Light refreshments will be available throughout the library. Please, stop by and learn more about the library.

We continue to offer Toddler Story Time on Tuesday mornings at 9 a.m. for the 18-month to 3-year-old children and their parent/caregiver. Preschool Story Time is on Wednesday mornings at 10 for the 3-5-year-old children and their parent/caregiver. Homeschool Heroes meet the first and third Fridays at 10 a.m. for homeschool families.

Here’s an early heads-up: the library will be closed Dec. 23-25 and Dec. 30-Jan. 1 so our staff may enjoy some time with family and friends. We will be open Dec. 26-27 and Jan. 2-3 and then back to regularly scheduled hours.

The Mineola Memorial Library is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and your donations are always welcome. We thank the Watts and the Yarbroughs for their donations.