Know Your Library

   The Taos Public Library …written by Joanne Forman

 Deck the Halls!

     Yes, it’s the end of another year (already so quick!)and it’s The Holidays. Do deck your Hall—your house, apartment, mobile home, cabin, hut, tent, whatever—and don’t forget those who have none.

     It can also be a frantic time, but there are some 250 books in our library that can help you have a sane, more relaxed and happier holiday season.

     It’s certainly a time when we’re all encouraged to spend money—and it’s also a time when many don’t have much. Your library to the rescue!

     Maybe the  Big Splurge for your family is the Christmas Tree. (Here your writer cannot resist a personal anecdote: when I had a daughter at home, a big tree was the Extravagance of the Year: except for the lights, we made all the ornaments. And since we saved them all, the tree grew more and more spectacular. The last time we did it, the tree was so beautiful we left it up until April. We only took it down because all needles fell off.)

      Doing some easy craftwork with your kids is a wonderful way to ease into the holiday season. Among the 250 books in the library on Christmas, there is (to name just one)TWO HOUR CHRISTMAS CRAFTS by Michele Thompson: F745.59412Tho.

      Of course, no holiday is complete without food: CHRISTMAS BAKING by Christian Teubner is just one: 641.865; another is CHRISTMAS ON ITS WAY—crafts & recipes by Karin Strom 394.3663 C555.

     And where would Christmas be without Old Favorites:

Charles Dickens’ A CHRISTMAS CAROL, in the children’s room, Clement Dane’s THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, also in the children’s room. Among the DVDs is that old sweet favorite IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

     Christmas in New Mexico has its own wonderful flavor and traditions, and an utterly delightful book is by our own Rodolfo Anaya: THE FAROLITOS OF NEW MEXICO. It’s in the Southwest room, swFIC A536F. There’s also Anaya’s HOW HOLLYHOCKS CAME TO NEW MEXICO, in the children’s room—and in Spanish.

     December is also time for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. It is NOT the “Jewish Christmas!” Indeed, it is the celebration of a military victory: that of Judah Maccabee (“The Hammer”)and his peasant army against the Syrian-Greek Empire, long before Jesus of Nazareth. It has morphed into a major holiday in the USA, with “Hanukkah gelt”—it used to be a dime! Read all about it in one of the five books in our library on the topic, such as JEWISH DAYS AROUND THE YEAR by Francine Klags-brun,296.43 Kla.

      Whatever your holiday plans—take a deep breath, try to relax and spend time with family—and consult the catalog of the Taos Public Library for more on all your holiday plans and needs.

     Enjoy!

(Ideas for this newsletter? E-mail: jofo@ kitcarson.net)