The annual Yarn and Fabric Exchange returns this weekend at 11 a.m. Saturday.

Those who would like to participate should drop off their yarn, fabric, or related accessories between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Friday. Then those people who bring items to exchange will be able to “shop” the exchange first from 11 a.m.-noon. After noon Saturday, anyone can come to the exchange whether they donate or not.

There’s always a full room of supplies to take a look at, and everything is free to a new home.

Stocking coloring craft for kids next week

To get ready for the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Lighting, which is Nov. 22, youths will have a chance to color their own stocking during the library’s drop-in event on starting Monday. On Monday and Tuesday, they can come in any time from 3:15-5:30 p.m. and from 2:45-5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Stocking and coloring supplies will be provided and no registration is required. The event is for youths of all ages.

Angel gift-giving Tree launches soon

The annual gift-giving tradition of the library’s Angel Tree returns this month on Nov. 21.

Each year, the library partners to help provide gifts to seniors in our community. There should be more than 100 angels on our tree this year!

Come pick one off the tree and then come to the front desk to select who you’d like to get a gift for. There will also be the option of making a monetary donation instead, which would be used to help purchase gifts. Angels will be available starting when the library opens that day. Swing by and grab one before we run out!

Food drive happening now

The library is participating in the citywide food drive going on now through Nov. 21. There are several dropoff locations around Tonganoxie, and the library is one of them. You can bring any non-perishable and non-expired food to the library. There is a marked drop off bin once inside or you can ask at the front desk for assistance. Food will be donated to the Good Shepherd Thrift Store and Food Bank once collected.

It’s the kick-off of the holiday season!

Next weekend on Nov. 22 it’s the start of the holiday season with the annual downtown Christmas parade at 5 p.m. and the lighting of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree right after the parade.

Head to the library after the parade to view the tree lighting and then come inside to see Santa Claus, too. It’s a fun-filled evening for all and a great way to get in the holiday mood!

— Kim Downing is assistant director/circulation coordinator at Tonganoxie Public Library. She can be reached at 913-845-3281 or kimd@tonganoxielibrary.org.