Family Holiday Project

Are you looking for something to fill those hours tomorrow between rounds at the food table? Or maybe you're planning to skip the Black Friday rush and just stay home, but you're not sure what to do instead of shopping.

Here's an idea that's guaranteed to build a little holiday spirit for you and your loved ones:

The DeMotte Library's Gingerbread House Contest is just around the corner and the library is inviting anyone interested to create a gingerbread house and enter it for judging. The library will be accepting donated houses anytime between December 3-5. The houses will go on display December 7-12, during which time patrons will be able to vote for their favorites by placing money into the associated jars. An auction of the houses will follow on the 14th.

Check out our contest page to see more information, as well as some JCPL books about gingerbread decorating. Put on your most creative hats and have fun. Whatever you come up with, we hope you find a bit of peace on earth and goodwill towards mankind in the process.

Contest entries showcase local writing talent

For those of you who are Stephenie Meyer fans, no doubt Friday's debut of the New Moon movie, the second in her popular Twilight series, has been on your calendar for some time -- probably dotted with hearts or slogans to designate the side you have taken in the thrilling debate started in this book: Team Edward, or Team Jacob.

Several of you showed your affection for the series earlier this fall, as well as considerable writing talent, to lend your thoughts as to what the next installment of the series might look like. These entries can be found on our website, along with the original contest information, in case you know of a group (school, homeschool, etc.) which might want to try their own version.

It was a difficult choice, but Kimi Peterson's entry was chosen by JCPL staff as the winner of the contest. She won free tickets to the opening night of New Moon at Rensselaer's Fountain Stone Theaters and a copy of the New Moon soundtrack. Congratulations to her and to all those who entered. We're proud to share this literary phenomenon with you as time goes on.

Go Team (insert your favorite name here)!