Holiday shopping help at the Monroe Free Library

Monroe — Frantic about the rapid approach of the holiday gift-giving season? Patrons might find all the shopping help they need at the Monroe Free Library, which has a variety of programs designed to make holiday shopping easier. Patrons can start their gift shopping by visiting the library website. A percentage of all purchases made online will go to the Monroe Free Library, when a site is accessed through www.monroelibrary.org, which also has a link to the New York Public Library Internet shopping site. A Holiday Boutique will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 10. A variety of books, baked goods, crafts, handcrafted angels by a local artisan, and more, will be on sale to benefit the library. Two hand-crocheted afghans in decorator colors will be raffled off. The snow date is from noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 11. For the annual Holiday Cookie Exchange at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 15, patrons will bring a plate of their favorite holiday cookies and the recipe for an evening of tasting and trading. The event is designed for those who love to give homemade goodies, as well as for those who look forward to the tastes of the season. Two gift ideas that are appropriate for any occasion are the Adopt a Book Club and the Library Tote Bag sale. By adopting a book, donors can honor a special person or commemorate a birthday, anniversary or other life event. The adopted book will have a bookplate affixed to the inside cover, inscribed with the donor’s name and dedication. People can adopt a favorite story to add to the library’s collection, or ask library staff for suggestions. The attractive and sturdy tote bag, crafted of durable hunter-green nylon, and imprinted with the library’s logo, sells for $7 each or $6 for seniors. Many people treasure the gifts handmade by the children in their lives. The library will offer two opportunities for creating mementoes. On Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 4:30 p.m., children in kindergarten and grade one can craft a holiday bookmark. On Thursday, Dec. 8, at 4:30 p.m., children in grades two and beyond can make a holiday ornament. For more information, stop by the library at 44 Millpond Parkway in Monroe, call 783-4411 or visit www.monroefreelibrary.org.