December getting off to a hot start at the Kenosha Public Library

In this season of gratitude and giving, our Kenosha Public Library continues to provide a wealth of opportunities, information and fun.

Here’s just a snapshot of what is available in early December. Remember, these treasures are all free!

At least a half-dozen activities are scheduled for Wednesday (Dec. 1), across all ages, interests and locations.

The KPL Concert Series returns from 4-5 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 1). Join Tremper High School Band Director Kathryn Ripley and the musicians of the Tremper Blue Jazz Band for a live, instrumental performance of holiday classics at the Southwest Library, 7979 38th St.

Encore performances of this holiday concert are set for 4-5 p.m. on the following Mondays: Dec. 6 at Simmons Library, 711 59th Pl., and Dec. 13 at the Uptown Library, 2419 63rd St. 

Families are invited to Light it Up, a holiday lights-themed crafts and activities event, from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 1) at the Simmons Library Stocker Children’s Room, 711 59th Pl. Registration is required. Please call Youth & Family Services at (262) 564-6150.

Light it Up also occurs 4:30-5:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Uptown Library, 2419 63rd St. Registration opens Friday (Dec. 3). 

Magnificent Magnets, a creative science activity, kicks off the month from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 1) at the Northside Library, 1500 27th St. Kids ages 5-9 are invited to drop in for hands-on experimental play with a variety of magnets and magnetic toys as they  learn about the science of magnetism.

December’s installment of the library’s popular craft time for teens is In the Making: Sock Gnomes from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Wednesday (Dec. 1) in the Southwest Library Activity Room. Registration for this no-sew project is filling up fast, there are spots available on the waiting list.

For the younger set, Kiddin’ Around Yoga gives children ages 3-5 an opportunity to shake, sing, and be silly while learning basic yoga poses, mindfulness, and meditation. The class, set for 10-11 a.m. Wednesday (Dec. 1) in the Southwest Library Activity Room, is led by a KPL librarian and certified KAY teacher. Registration is required. 

Wednesdays at the Southwest branch also feature No Naptime Hullabaloo from 2-2:30 p.m. This active storytime is geared toward toddlers and preschoolers who would rather dance than nap, entertaining them with stories, songs, rhymes and dancing.

In addition to regular features such as storytime, yoga December includes a sleighful of special events.

Youngsters ages 9-12 can create colorful, whimsical bowls inspired by the glasswork of Dale Chihuly at Chihuly’s Macchia Bowls, 4:30-5:40 p.m. Friday (Dec. 3). Registration is now open.

The popular Tails N’ Tales: Read to a Dog! for ages 5-12 is set for Saturday (Dec. 4) from 10-11 a.m. in the Southwest Library Children’s Room. Kids can up for a 15-minute reading session with one of the certified reading education assistance dogs from Kenosha’s Dogs of Endearment. Registration is required and is now open.

Tuesdays are for taking in a movie at the Northside branch. Screenings range from highly-rated new releases and nostalgic throwback favorites, and the latter is exactly what’s on tap for Dec. 7 and 14.

It doesn’t get any more nostalgic than the 1954 holiday classic “White Christmas” starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. Space is limited, registration is required.

December continues on a sweet note with the Battle Gingerbread event for families. Take-home Gingerbread kits and instructions can be picked up at the Southwest Children’s Room and taken home to decorate. Completed houses should be dropped off on or before Dec. 11 at 9:30 a.m. Then the candy-coated “battle” begins! All houses will be on display in the Children’s Room from Dec. 11-31.  Voting will take place from Dec. 11-22. Winners will be notified by phone. Registration is required and opens Saturday (Dec. 4). Please call Youth Services at (262) 564-6150 to register.

KPL celebrates the second half of the month and the end of 2021 with even more festivities. Stay tuned to Kenosha.com’s Bookmark and Events calendar for updated information.