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CONTACT THE ENTERPRISE Jocelyn Robinson, News editor jrobinson@heraldnet.com

Libraries pre-empt vacation boredom

By Andrea McInnis
For the Enterprise

For families pinched by tight budgets, for students looking ahead to winter vacation and for kids who would prefer that their free time include fun of the indoor variety, several Sno-Isle Regional Library branches are offering some help. As this week marks the start of many schools' winter breaks, several locations are filling their calendars with free children's craft days, performances and movie showings.

"Children are frantic with excitement when school lets out for the Dec. holidays, but before New Year's, they are looking for more fun things to do," Sno-Isle Libraries' children's services manager Kay O'Connell said. "For the last several years, we have scheduled professional performers and plan special programs to extend the festivity and keep families entertained throughout the holiday season. Kids enjoy themselves, and adults can appreciate that the library's programs are fun and free, too."

The following is a summary of these "Winter Extravaganza" events, as the Mountlake Terrace branch calls them:

Puppets ready to tell stories

At 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, Clay Martin, who has worked with the Seattle Opera, among other theatrical companies, will present his self-titled Puppet Theater with its Punch and Judy, the Frog Prince and other characters, at Mountlake Terrace Library, 23300 58th Ave. W.

"I enjoy setting up special events programming for several reasons," Mountlake Terrace's children's services librarian Susan Kirdahy said, noting that one reason is to spark interest in a new topic.

"This is the first time I have worked with Clay Martin, but because he was very highly recommended to me by other children's services librarians, and (because) puppet shows in general have been very popular at our library, I thought I'd give him a try."

Press materials provided by the library recommend that show for ages 3 and older. Martin uses hand, rod, shadow theater and marionette puppets, and the show includes a short lecture-demonstration of the history, construction and use of these puppets.

Also in local libraries

"Get Back, Farmer Mac!": 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, former schoolteacher turned musician and children's performer Eric Ode will present his show at Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. W. Ode's songs and stories involving cows, goats and chickens (though not live animals) are sure to captivate the audience. Reservations are not required, but details are available at 425-778-2148.

KidFlix: 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 29, children ages 4 and older (young children must be with adult) are invited to beat the winter blues with a movie matinee. Bring pillows, blankets and your favorite snack to the Bothell Regional Library, 18215 98th Ave. NE, Bothell. For film information call 425-486-7811.

Rita Hug & the Juggle Bugs: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, join in for a fast-paced, uniquely original show featuring music, circus arts, puppetry, and physical comedy at the Edmonds Library, 650 Main St., Edmonds. Linda is a local family entertainer and member of Seattle Children's Hospital's Clown Corps who has entertained audiences around the world since 1987. For more information call 425-771-1933.

Holiday Magic: 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, a magic show featuring holiday fun and surprises at the Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th, Shoreline. Ages 5 and older welcome. For more information call 206-362-7550.

Anime Extravaganza!: 3 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, the Friends of the Lake Forest Park Library invite teens ages 12 to 18 to watch several choice anime episodes, engage in optional cosplay and bring past manga issues to trade for a "manga swap." Meets in the Third Place Commons meeting room near the food court, 17171 Bothell Way NE, Lake Forest Park. For more information call 206-362-8860.

KidFlix: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, children ages 6 and older (young children must be with adult) are invited to beat the winter blues with an afternoon at the movies. Bring pillows, blankets and your favorite snack to the Bothell Regional Library, 18215 98th Ave. NE, Bothell. For film information call 425-486-7811.

Children's yoga: 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, children's yoga will come to the Mukilteo branch, 4675 Harbour Pointe Blvd. as a local yoga instructor shows kids some basic moves in order to build strength as well as a sense of calm. Participants must wear clothing suitable to movement.

Ring in the New Year – As the World Turns!: Every hour on the hour throughout the day on Wednesday, Dec. 31, the Edmonds Library, 650 Main St., Edmonds, will observe the new year wherever it is happening around the world. Join in for a countdown, a little confetti, some bubbles, and "Happy New Year!" in many languages. For more information call 425-771-1933.

Crafty Calendars: 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, school-age children can learn fun crafts that turn old wall calendars into useful & decorative gift boxes, placemats and other creative projects at the Edmonds Library, 650 Main St., Edmonds. For more information call 425-771-1933.



Enterprise writer Andrea Miller contributed to this report.