A dog from Bentley’s Buddies & Friends recently visited the Sugar Creek branch of the Hancock County Public Library. Reading dogs return this month to local libraries.
Submitted photo
Reading program dogs coming to libraries
HANCOCK COUNTY – Bentley’s Buddies & Friends are coming to local libraries this December to help children read.
The program in which dogs sit next to children to read to is free and open to anyone; no need to sign up. The dogs will be at the Vernon Township Public Library in Fortville from 1:30-2:30 pm. Dec. 16; and at both the Greenfield and New Palestine branches of the Hancock County Public Library from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Dec. 17.
Locations for the libraries are: Vernon Township Public Library, 625 E. Broadway St., Fortville; Sugar Creek branch of the Hancock County Public Library, 5731 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine; Greenfield HCPL, 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield; hcplibrary.org.
Libraries offer book clubs, programs for children
HANCOCK COUNTY – Several events are coming up for children at local libraries. While many holiday programs at the Hancock County Public Library are closed or have a wait list, some openings are still available.
The Reading Dragons Book Club is Dec. 14 at the Sugar Creek branch of the Hancock County Public Library. A homeschool middle school girls book club will also be at that branch Dec. 15, and a Pals & PJs party for children ages 3-7 is Dec. 20. The Sugar Creek branch is located at 5731 W. U.S. 52, New Palestine.
In Greenfield, a poetry night is scheduled for teens Dec. 21, and kids ages 9-18 can paint a lantern for the winter solstice Dec. 20. The main branch of the HCPL is at 900 W. McKenzie Road, Greenfield. Visit hcplibrary.org to learn more or register for programs.
In Fortville, a Play and Learn Storytime for all ages is open at 10:30 a.m. Dec. 13, Dec. 20 and Jan. 3. The Vernon Township Public Library is at 625 E. Broadway St., Fortville.
“Letters to Santa” programs available
GREENFIELD – Opportunities are available for local children to send their wish lists to Santa.
Write a letter to Santa and drop it in the mailbox at town hall in McCordsville; or the Patricia Elmore Center or Depot Street Park in Greenfield. Include a stamped envelope with a return address by Dec. 18 for a surprise.
Babysitting fundraisers planned
HANCOCK COUNTY – Local parents have opportunities to have a date night or shopping trip without the kids, as two local student groups are offering babysitting events.
Greenfield Central’s Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) students will watch children in first through fourth-grade from 1-6 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Greenfield-Central High School Learning Lab (Door 3). Register by emailing the child’s name, grade and school to [email protected]. Cost is $10 per child through PayPal (dwturner) or cash at drop-off. Space is limited to the first 40 who register; children will be making snowflakes and ornaments, writing letters to Santa and watching Christmas movies.
Mt. Vernon families are invited to a Parents Night Out from 6-8:30 p.m. Dec. 20, hosted by the Mt. Vernon High School Prom Committee. Children in grades kindergarten through fifth will be watched in the MVHS cafeteria for $10 per child. In addition to raising money through childcare, the prom committee is having a dine-to-donate event that same day at Wolfies Northern Woods Grill. Find more information and a link to register at facebook.com/MtVernonSchoolDistrict.
