Welcome to December! As we finish up 2024 and get ready to ring in the New Year, we’d like to remind you that in times of inclement weather, the library will close for safety. Any unexpected closings will be announced on our website (nevinslibrary.org) and on our Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X social media accounts.  If you are ever unsure, please call before heading over to be see if we are open or expect to be open when you arrive: (978) 686-4080. 

That said, we do have a few expected closings to share:

  • Friday, Dec. 6: The library will be closed all day for a Staff Development Day. We will be open Saturday, Dec. 7 normal hours (9am-5pm).
  • Dec. 24-26: The library will be closed Tuesday-Thursday for the holiday.  The library will be open Friday and Saturday normal hours (9am-5pm).
  • Tuesday, Dec. 31: The library will close at 3pm.
  • Wednesday, Jan. 1: The library will be closed. We will be open Thursday, Jan. 2 normal hours (9am-9pm).

Create a boxwood centerpiece

Classic and elegant, a boxwood tree centerpiece is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Join us Tuesday, Dec. 10 at 7pm as Jamie Lynn from Flowers by Jamie Lynn teaches how to make our own centerpiece through step-by-step instructions. This program is partially funded through the library but we ask that each participant pay for their materials. If you choose to partake in this program, it is a fee of $30 per person to be paid in cash to the main desk by Tuesday, Dec. 3. Your registration will be confirmed upon the $30 fee payment. For more information and to register, please see our Calendar of Events on our website or call (978) 686-4080.

Friends fund-raiser

The Friends of the Library have one last fund-raiser planned for 2024 and it’s a favorite! Visit the Chateau in Andover between 11am-close on Tuesday, Dec. 10 and let them know you’re supporting the Friends of the Nevins Library. It doesn’t matter if you are eating there or taking food home; The Chateau will donate a portion of your bill to the Friends. It’s such an easy (and yummy!) way to support the Friends of the Library!  

New adult programs

If you are in your 20s or 30s, love coffee, tea and games, come to Board and Brewed on Saturday, Dec. 21 at 11am. The library will provide coffee and tea; you provide the games. Come ready to meet people and have fun!

Did you know that we have a book club just for adults who enjoy teen literature? It’s called “Forever Youngish” and will meet Thursday, Dec. 19 at 7pm. New members are always welcome, and copies of the current book are waiting for you at the Main Desk.

Teen Afterschool Clubs

All the clubs for teens are in full swing, and always looking for new members! Find one that matches your interests: Book Babble, Anime Club, Arts & Crafts Club, Gaming Club or Movie Club! Call the Youth Services Department at (978) 686-4080 ext. 26 for more information.

From the Children’s Room

Can you believe the holidays are upon us already? We’re here to help you celebrate with holiday-themed programs in December, including our popular’Twas the Night Before Christmas storytime featuring a very special guest, and a Happy Noon Year’s Eve Party that lets our youngest patrons celebrate the new year without staying up until midnight! (Space is limited for these programs, so you’ll want to register soon.)

And, in the best spirit of the season, once again we’re sponsoring a Giving Tree to provide Christmas gifts to Merrimack Valley homeless children and teens served by Emmaus Inc. Through its shelters and housing programs, Emmaus has served thousands of young people since 1985, and on any given night 300 adults and youths call Emmaus home. Please help ensure that these kids have a happy holiday by donating gifts through our Giving Tree – last year our wonderful patrons were able to meet every wish, and we hope to match that success this year! If you’d like to help, just drop by the Children’s Room, choose a Wish List item to purchase, and put it (unwrapped) under our tree by Dec. 13. Thank you for making some Christmas dreams come true!

Of course we’re also offering our usual array of storytimes, baby & toddler fun, and book groups, and don’t forget Murphy the Dog, who will be here Dec. 18 – he’s a very sweet and appreciative audience for kids who enjoy reading aloud to him, but this will be your last chance to enjoy his company before he goes south for the winter!

Keep an eye on the Youth Services calendar and Facebook page to learn the latest about upcoming programs, fund-raisers and special events – there’s always something interesting going on. 

Happy December, Happy Holidays, and Happy Reading!

For an extensive list of Nevins Memorial Library happenings, check out nevinslibrary.org.