By LAURIE ERICKSON | Ontario Public Library director
Get ready for the 117th Audubon Christmas Bird Count. Ben Johnston from the Kickapoo Valley Reserve will present a program at the Ontario Public Library at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, sharing information on the two counting events that will occur in the Kickapoo Valley on Saturday, Dec. 24, and Saturday, Dec. 31.
You can learn the methods for counting and how you can participate. For more information, you can contact Ben at (608) 625-2960 or ben.johnston@wisconsin.gov. He also will present informational programs at other area libraries at dates to be announced.
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Cookies and holiday treats will be on sale at the library from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9. The Knit Wits and others have been baking and are donating the proceeds to the library. Cookies are $4 per dozen, and other treats are as marked. Get your holiday baking done and support the library at the same time.
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The Knit Wits will offer their Santa Shop at the Ontario Old-Fashioned Christmas event on Saturday, Dec. 10, at the Ontario Community Hall. Small gift items will be available for children to purchase for family members for a quarter a piece. Proceeds will benefit the library.
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We are having a food drive for the Ontario food pantry. Help make the holidays a little brighter for those in need. You can drop off donations on the table in the entryway of the library. Please check the expiration date on items before dropping them off. They can’t use items that are beyond the expiration date.
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The book group will discuss “Badlands” by C.J. Box at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14. Stop by the library for a copy if you would like to read the book or join in the discussion.
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Playgroups are offered at 10 a.m. Wednesdays for 3- to 5-year-olds. Children are invited to join us for stories, activities and crafts. There will be no playgroups on Dec. 28 and Jan. 4, but they will resume Jan. 11.
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The treat’s on us! Stop in the library on Friday, Dec. 23, during our open hours for a sweet treat in celebration of the holidays and in appreciation of your support of the library throughout the year.
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The library will be closed Saturday, Dec. 24; Monday, Dec. 26; Saturday, Dec. 31; and Monday, Jan. 2, for the holidays. Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
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Sock ‘Em, a knitting group, will meet at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4. They will start a new sock pattern using the magic loop. If you would like to learn to knit socks, this would be a great program to attend, as Karen Austad will demonstrate how to use the magic-loop method to knit socks. You can use the method to knit a basic or more difficult sock pattern, depending on your preference. Contact the library or our website for information on needed supplies.