December is a peaceful and relaxing time of year, although not always for Grinnell College students. Snow blankets the sprawling cornfields, just as final papers need writing. Festive music is played in cafés and coffee shops, while cramming has begun for exams. Millions of children are anxiously awaiting the winter break and Grinnell College students’ stress levels are just starting to peak.
Thankfully, there is an opportunity to relieve some of the pressure. Students are invited to visit the Festival of Trees taking place tonight from 5 to 8 p.m. at Drake Community Library (DCL). Whether yew need a study break, are looking to branch out for a change of scenery or just plain stumped for something to do, the Festival of Trees is a great way to leaf your regular Friday evening ritual behind and cozy up in the library’s festive atmosphere.
Tracing its roots back to 2007, the Festival allows individuals, families and businesses to decorate a tree and display it in the library. The event allows the Library to simultaneously fundraise for the various services it offers, as visitors are encouraged to make donations to their favorite displays.
“It’s a fundraiser, but it’s also just a community appreciation [event] and a great way to decorate the library for Christmas,” said Marilyn Kennett, Library Director at DCL.
The Festival is sponsored by the Friends of Drake Community Library, a group that assists the library with financial support and volunteer activities. Past fundraising has enabled the library to obtain archival supplies, manage an ancestry database and also open the Mango Language online learning resource.
“It’s a beautiful display to add another dimension to our library at this time of year,” Kennett said. “It’s fun and we are very appreciative of the Friends organization for supporting the library.”
DCL currently has over 25 submitted trees, a record for the event and even a few gingerbread houses. Trees have been submitted by a variety of community groups and organizations including the Local History Museum, Station Clubhouse and Grinnell Area Arts Council.
“The main point is to get people excited about the beauty of the season and get people to come in the library,” Kennett added.
The event will also feature the Grinnell Middle School Jazz Band and Honor Choir who will perform from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Sources close to DCL have confirmed that Santa Claus will be in attendance from 5:30 to 8 p.m. All are invited to visit with Father Christmas and those wishing for a photo should bring their own camera.
“The kids really like the Festival of Trees … It’s a popular thing. We get kids and families into the library we don’t normally get. They see the library as a wonderful place and hopefully come back,” said Karen Neal, Director of Youth Services at DCL. “We’re hoping to get contact between the books and the kids.”
Students who cannot attend Friday’s opening event are still invited to visit the library. Trees will be on display until New Year’s.
“We hope to see a lot of college students. We love to have the college students utilize the library all year long,” Kennett said.
So ask yourself if you have some free time this Friday. Whether you maple an all-nighter, or are planning a visit in the fuchsia, treet yourself. Drake Community Library hopes you will stop by to cedar lovely trees.
