Snowmen and penguins were found inside the Dunkirk Free Library over the weekend, but there was not a flake of snow on the ground outside to keep them cool. The library held its annual Christmas craft event to celebrate the holiday season.
More than 50 children packed in to the lower level of the library to make ornaments and a necklace made of bells and beads. The ornaments included a snowman, penguin and bulbs children could decorate.
"They all came at 10:30. It was pretty busy," Pam Czarniak, children's room coordinator, said.
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OBSERVER Photo by Samantha McDonnell
Emily, age 5, with help from her mother, Jill Schwertfeger, makes a Christmas ornament at the Dunkirk Free Library.
Many families came together for the morning of crafting with their children and were treated to refreshments and card making following the crafts.
"It's just a wonderful kids program, a great family activity," Jill Schwertfeger, who brought her children, said. "My son and daughter love hanging their crafts on the tree."
The event was sponsored by the library and Friends of the Library purchased all the crafts, according to Czarniak. Volunteers helped children make the crafts, as well as provided refreshments.
"We wouldn't be able to do without the volunteers," she said. "They made the cookies, brought the juice. We wouldn't be able to do it without them."
Robin Campbell volunteered at the event for the second time this year. Her favorite part was "seeing smiles on kids' faces."
"I enjoyed it last year. I think it's wonderful to help out with the library," Campbell said.
The annual event has been held for close to 20 years, Czarniak said. She did not have an exact number but since she started at the library 11 years ago, it has been a tradition.
"It's been going on every year since I've been here," she said. "The kids make some gifts for friends and relatives. They enjoy coming in."
The next craft will take place on Jan. 16 and will be a snowman craft. Other events held at the library are weekly story time held every Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 to 11 a.m. For more information, call the library at 366-2511.
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