Central Coast Council Library Service is creating Christmas magic this December, giving joy to young children and working to provide hope to those less fortunate in our community.

Council Libraries have partnered with Coast Shelter for the fourth annual book drive, a welcome reminder to give to those less fortunate Council Director Connected Communities, Julie Vaughan, said.

“We are putting the call out to the community to donate items or their time to help us spread cheer to those in our community who may feel alone this holiday season,” Ms Vaughan said.

“The book drive is an amazing opportunity to bring beautiful books into the lives of families and those spending time in temporary accommodation on the Central Coast.

“New books ranging from lifestyle to young adult, children’s picture books to adult fiction are all welcome.

“We are also collecting new store-bought food items and new toys on behalf of Central Coast Community Shed, who will distribute to members of our community who need a little extra support this time of year.

“They have also requested donations of pet foods, play toys, leads, collars and even flea and tick treatments to help companion animals over the holiday season when pets often find parties, fireworks and absence of owners a little stressful.

“If you are not able to purchase new items, we are also encouraging members of the community to donate their time to create holiday messages for residents of local nursing homes.

“Makerspace tables or events have been set up across our library branches for all ages to come in and make a card or two with the materials provided over the next couple of weeks.

“If you are not able to pop in we are more than happy to accept cards from individuals, schools or community groups.”

New books and Christmas cards will be accepted at any one of Council’s Library branches until Monday 11 December, with items for Central Coast Community Shed being accepted until Monday 18 December.

The jolly man himself will also be stopping off at the Libraries for special Christmas storytime sessions, which kicked off this week.

“Our Christmas storytime sessions are one of the highlights of our yearly calendar of events,” Council Unit Manager Libraries, Michelle Swan-Beardmore said.

“Children absolutely love the Christmas stories, songs and carols, and their faces light up with sheer excitement when Santa arrives with his sack of presents.

“At the conclusion of storytime, every child is invited to meet Santa to receive their gift of a new book to encourage a love of reading.

“It is an utter privilege for us to be able to bring such pure happiness into the hearts of the children in our community.

“Our Libraries are so much more than books – we are a centrepiece of the community, supporting the young, young at heart and everyone in between through our events, services and initiatives.

“I would invite everyone to become a member of our Library to discover what we can offer.”

Visit centralcoast.nsw.gov.au/libraries for dates, times and details of the above events or to become a member.

ENDS

Christmas storytime sessions:

Thursday 7 December

Umina Library, 10.30am

Tuggerah Library, 11am

Monday 11 December

Gosford Library, 10.30am

Tuesday 12 December

Erina Library, 10.30am

Wednesday 13 December

Kincumber Library, 10.30am

Bateau Bay Library, 11am

Thursday 14 December

The Entrance Library, 11am