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Politics & Government

Holiday Happenings at the Northfield Public Library

The library offers many activities for families during the holiday season.

Editor's note: The Library Round Table will feature several guest columnists from the Northfield Public Library. This piece is from Leesa Wisdorf, adult and youth services manager.

With Thanksgiving gatherings behind us, we can turn our thoughts
toward the gift-giving season.

The Northfield Public Library has many materials to keep your holidays merry.

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Upstairs you'll find tempting cookbooks to inspire your baking. There are numerous craft books for adults and children in case you're looking for a from-the-heart homemade gift. December magazines are full of decorating ideas to add sparkle to your hearth and home.

At one time or another most popular musicians record their own Christmas CDs featuring traditional and non-traditional Christmas favorites. You can find carols by everyone from Taylor Swift to Bob Dylan to the St. Olaf Choir.

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Looking for some downtime while you wrap gifts? Listen to a recording of Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol narrated by Jim Dale. Harry Potter fans know that Mr. Dale is a master of voices and this recording may become a family tradition.

In the children's area you'll find wonderful picture books with heart-warming stories celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Santa or the beauty of winter. Check out a DVD of The Grinch Who Stole Christmas or Home Alone and cuddle up on the couch with some popcorn while you peruse your to-do list.

We'll explore more of these holiday resources in upcoming columns.

And don't forget the library's model train show during the Winter Walk from 3-8 p.m. Dec. 9.

In 1998, Leonard Rado, a quiet gentleman who routinely used the public library asked if we might be interested in displaying his model train set. He thought that local children might enjoy it.

That same year, the Northfield Chamber of Commerce decided to host a Winter Walk, turning Division Street businesses into a holiday shopping stroll complete with carolers and Santa Claus. The Northfield Public Library had been invited to participate and we set up Len's train in the meeting room with the children's librarian in the opposite corner telling Christmas stories.

As it turns out, lots of people enjoy model trains.

Mr. Rado, member of a local model railroad club, invited other train enthusiasts to join him in displaying their trains and layouts. The Teen Advisory Board baked train shaped cookies to sell as a fundraiser. Located at the end of the block, the library was the perfect spot to warm up while children on tip-toes watched the trains loop around their tracks.

Last year, more than 1,000 people made their way through the stacks to see the model trains that claim every open area of the library's meeting room and first and second floors. There's a scale model engine in the lobby with a real train whistle. Months after they have gone, children continue to talk about the trains and look for them on subsequent visits.

This year, the library dedicates the Magic of Model Railroads to Mr. Leonard Rado, who passed away in September after an extended illness. We will miss his Northfield train layout and his presence at the event he started to share his passion for model trains with the children he loved.

The Winter Walk and a stop at the model train show are a great way to kick off the holiday season in Northfield.

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