The holidays mean a lot of different things to many people. We celebrate in so many ways and have a variety of customs. It’s what makes our communities whole and vibrant. Being able to celebrate the holidays with our friends and families is what truly makes this time of year so special. That being said, this year we wanted to focus on what we all celebrate during the holidays – gratitude. That’s why we created our new holiday program series, 12 Days of Gratitude.
At Hamilton East Public Library, we’re incredibly thankful to serve the Fishers and Noblesville communities. In turn, a lot of the events in our 12 Days of Gratitude series are centered around our gratitude for the community and giving back to the people and organizations that surround us. As the holidays get closer, we encourage everyone to focus on gratitude this season and hope you’ll join us in celebration at one of our 12 Days of Gratitude events.
Stock the Shelters Donation Drive (All ages)
Sunday, December 1 – Saturday, December 12 • During library hours • Fishers and Noblesville
Help the Humane Society for Hamilton County complete their seasonal wish list by helping provide much needed items! Visit here for the Humane Society of Hamilton County’s Amazon Wishlist.
Linking Kindness: A Collaborative Art Project (All ages)
Sunday, December 1 – Thursday, December 12 • During library hours • Fishers and Noblesville
Help us celebrate the season of gratitude by contributing to our library kindness paper chain. Write a special note, an affirmation, or some encouraging words and spread the love. Paper chains will be constructed and displayed all month long in both libraries.
The Power of Gratitude: A Guided Meditation (Ages 18 and up) – Registration required
Tuesday, December 3 • 7-8pm • Fishers
Wednesday, December 4 • 1:30-2:30pm • Noblesville
Simple gratitude has the power to alter your attitude toward yourself, others, and the world around you, and regularly practicing gratitude can help you become happier and healthier. Join us for a class and meditation on the power of gratitude led by Angela Nevins from State of Bliss Meditation Studio.
Home Fur the Holidays: Humane Society for Hamilton County Meet and Greet (All ages)
Sunday, December 8 • 2-4pm • Noblesville
Meet a couple of adoptable dogs from the Hamilton County Humane Society and speak with representatives about adopting a new fur friend this season!
Write to Our Heroes – Operation Gratitude (All ages)
Sunday, December 15 – Saturday, December 21 • During library hours • Fishers and Noblesville
Show your gratitude for our troops, veterans, wounded heroes and first responders by writing a letter or drawing a picture! Writing stations will be set up in both libraries for this special activity. Operation Gratitude sends 300,000+ Care Packages each year to Deployed Troops, Veterans, Recruit Graduates, First Responders and Wounded Heroes and their Caregivers. Of all the items included in the Care Packages, the most cherished are the personal letters of appreciation!
Celebrate Gratitude—Craft and Discussion (Ages 18 and up) – Registration required
Sunday, December 15 • 2-4pm • Fishers
Make a wreath and ornament, and engage in a discussion of what gratitude means to you. We will provide felt and decorations in a wide array of festive colors. Light refreshments will be provided.
Gifts in a Jar (Grades 6-12) – Registration required
Thursday, December 19 • 4:30-6pm • Fishers and Noblesville
Homemade gifts in a jar are a sweet way to express gratitude and show someone how much you care! Teens can make personalized cocoa mixes and/or cookie mixes, along with handcrafted cards to give as gifts. Sweet treats and all supplies provided. For grades 6-12.
Family Recipe Swap (All ages)
Saturday, December 21 • 2-3pm• Noblesville
Sunday, December 22 • 2-3pm• Fishers
Gather with others at the library to swap favorite seasonal family recipes. Please bring a print out of a family favorite recipe you enjoy in your home to swap with other attendees. We will chat about our recipes, explore cookbooks and decorate recipe cards! Light refreshments will be provided.
Teens Care: Project Linus (Grades 6-12)
Monday, December 30 • 2-4pm • Noblesville
Project Linus is a non-profit organization that provides homemade blankets to children in need. Teens will make no-sew fleece blankets to donate to Project Linus and show they care about the kids in our community! Supplies and snacks provided. For grades 6-12.