“Drop While You Shop!”
Children’s Lock-in at Ripon Public Library
In conjunction with the Ripon Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas shopping kick-off, the library lock-in is just the thing for parents with young ones. While their parents shop in Ripon, children can enjoy a myriad of festivities and offerings at the Ripon Public Library. Although registration is not required for this event, the library would benefit from an approximate head count. If possible, call the library at 748-6160 to pre-register your child or children. This will also save time on event day.
The Lock-in runs from 10:00a.m. - 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 14 and is open to children ages 5 and up. All aspects of the program will take place in the lower level of the library. Library staff, Ripon College students and local volunteers will be providing the following services and festivities in a secure setting:
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. is open for arrivals. Parents leaving children at the library must remain in Ripon to shop and provide a working cell phone number in case of emergency. Parents and guardians should plan to show a picture ID when they deliver their child to the library and when they pick up that child. NO DROP OFFS PLEASE! Children are not required to arrive promptly at 10:00 a.m., nor are they required to stay for the entire 4 hour event. The goal is to provide a convenient and safe alternative for children according to their parents’ scheduling needs.
10:15 a.m. – Enjoy Papa John’s Pancake Storytime followed by a pancake breakfast for all. Children will delight in the booming voice of “Papa John” Laufenberg as he shares the best pancake-themed picture books available. He then insists on serving up the best! Pancakes will be prepared using his famous cottage cheese pancake recipe, topped with real butter and finished with 100% pure maple syrup.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Something for Everyone! Crafts, gaming, Wii, Red cross sponsored “Holiday Mail for Heroes,” cookie decorating, reading with Kiani the Therapy Dog, and of course, BOOKS will be offered throughout the lower level.
1:00-1:45 p.m. - Thanksgiving-themed Storytime & puppet show. Children’s librarian, Linda DeCramer, and the talented Ms. Cecily Hughes, will treat the audience to a mixture of stories, songs and puppet skits which celebrate generosity and thankfulness of spirit.
By 2:00 p.m. – children should be picked up by their parent or caregiver.
Please share! As these festivities are enjoyed, we would also like to remember those who are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. As a way to ensure that everyone may enjoy a festive holiday season, all are encouraged to donate a nonperishable food item for our local food pantry. Everyone who donates will receive a free book. Here are the top foods needed by food banks this year:
• Proteins. Canned meats such as tuna, chicken or fish are high in protein and low in saturated fat. Peanut butter is rich in protein and high in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated oils, the "good fats." These are among the most expensive foods -- too expensive for food banks to buy large quantities.
• Soups and stews. They are filling, particularly the "chunky" soups, and contain liquid for hydration. In addition, soups can be filled with protein and vegetables.
• Rice and pasta.
• Cereal, including oatmeal.
• Canned vegetables, including tomatoes and tomato sauce.
• Canned or dried beans and peas. Beans are a low-fat source of protein and fiber.
• Canned fruits.
• Fruit juice (canned, plastic or boxed). Make sure it's 100% juice.
• Prepared box mixes such as macaroni and cheese or Hamburger Helper.
• Shelf-stable milk. This includes dehydrated milk, canned evaporated milk and instant breakfasts.
Thanks to the generosity and resources of both the Friends of the Ripon Public Library and Ripon College’s Office of Community Engagement, there is no fee for this program. For more information contact Linda DeCramer at 748-6160 or decramer@riponlibrary.org.
