TORRINGTON – Fostering creativity, strengthening family bonds and instilling a sense of the holiday spirit are all a part of the special tradition of going to the local library for a Christmas story and crafts. 

The children in the community got to take part in this tradition on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Goshen County Library for its annual “Cozy Christmas Storytime Open House” event. 

Within the craziness of the Christmas season, enjoying a story and making crafts is a wonderful way for children to express themselves and make lasting memories during the festive season.

On Saturday, the children and their families got to travel an indoor “storywalk” to read this year’s Christmas story. The story was “Click, Clack, Ho! Ho! Ho!” by Doreen Cronin. As the children walked, they read about Farmer Brown and the mischievous farm animals getting themselves into trouble on Christmas Eve night. 

At the end of the “storywalk,” the children participated in a scavenger hunt and explored half of the library searching for different scenes from the story. 

When they were done, the kids had three crafting stations to choose from. The kids could make waterless snow globes, wreath ornaments and/or Santa watchers. 

During the event, the children also got to watch the WYO Dance Force perform and the Torrington High School Treble Choir sing. 

When the children were done with participating in the activities, they got to enjoy delicious hot cocoa and donuts. 

“I think it’s going well,” Cristine Braddy, the director of the Goshen County Library, said during the event. “I like this open house style.” 

Braddy explained that in previous years the event had been a little chaotic. Kids would come in for the story at the same time and then all go over to the crafting stations. By doing more of an open house event, the library saw a steady stream of kids throughout the event. 

This also allowed families to pick the best time that worked for them during the three-hour event, rather than having to be at the library by a specific time. 

“Last year our volunteers were trying to help kids, but they had like 20 [at once],” Braddy said. “This way they could help the kids and really give each kid some attention.”

The event was fun for all ages.