Puppet show, visit from Santa spreads holiday cheer

Furry puppets, funny Christmas songs and a visit from Santa Claus were just a few of the fun things during the Columbus Library’s Santa’s Toy Bag Puppet Show event held Dec. 9.

More than 90 people filled the gymnasium at the Columbus Center to watch the puppet show, do crafts and visit with St. Nick himself.

The Utah Puppet Theater put on the traveling presentation that made a stop at the Columbus Center. Youth Services Librarian Laurie Hoecherl was in charge of the event. She said was happy with the great turnout.

“I think it’s a wonderful holiday program for families to come out and see a free program, do a fun craft and see Santa,” she said. “It’s an opportunity to involve the community, as well as some of our regular library patrons. Santa seems to be a universal character. Most cultures have some form of Santa Claus so this really appealed to all the cultures we have in South Salt Lake.”

The puppet show lasted for about 30 minutes, and children from the audience participated in the songs and other activities. Children from toddler age to junior high age filled the auditorium, sang along with the songs and participated in the holiday event. After the show, families had the chance to visit with Santa Claus.  Crystal Lindsey came to the event with her sister, who lives in the area. She said as soon as she heard about the event she knew it would be something her three children would enjoy.

“We love stuff like this,” she said. “It’s something fun we can do for free and enjoy the holiday season.”

The library had several events during December in which patrons can participate to get them in the holiday spirit. Patrons were encouraged to stop by and make two Christmas tree ornaments – one to decorate the giving tree set up in the library and one to take home. The giving tree benefited the Kris Kringle Gift Shop at the South Parc Townhouse community and benefits refugee families.

The library accepted new donations during the month and donated them to the shop. The donations were given away at the Columbus Center on Dec. 21.

“We didn’t get as many donations as we would have liked but it’s nice to be able to give what we can,” Hoecherl said.

The library is already getting ready to ring in the New Year and will have several events in January for children and adults alike. The Children’s story time will return Jan. 6 at 10:30 a.m. for children 2-5 years old. This happens every Friday from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Several reading groups will start back up in January as well.