ALLIANCE — Rodman Public Library has announced several activities for December.

— “Christmas Memories from the Carnation City” with Robb Hyde, a 45-minute program featuring photos, music, and stories of 100 years of Christmases in Alliance, will be presented in the Rodman Public Library Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2.

Hyde has been poking around local history for several decades now in various roles at all of Alliance’s Three Families museums. In advance of this Holiday Season, Hyde found some particularly great stories–and more than a couple of grainy B&W and color pictures — to tell of Christmas in our town during the 20th century.

As expected, they were in old file folders, library microfilm and closets, but also in 21st century resources such as the Alliance Memory website, Alliance Review online archive, and even Facebook. The program will have nostalgia, insights, surprises, and cherished memories for those who attend.

Many will recall the excitement of a Thanksgiving evening trip to Main Street to view the newly lighted Christmas decorations. They’ll also recall snowy afternoons for a Christmas shopping trip to Toyland at Alliance Hardware, candy and buttered fries at Heggy’s, the wooden floors of Murphy’s and Jupiter, and ice cold buttermilk at the Market House.

Others will think about visits to Carnation Mall for a ride on the kids train and visit with Santa at the center court pavilion before hitting Kmart, Camelot, and Bed, Bath & Beyond. There will be memories of shop and community group Christmas parties, favorite sledding and skating spots, as well as Mr. Jingeling on TV . . . and a Tale of Two Christmas Carols — one from WMMS and the other from Carnation City Players.

Those attending will have the opportunity to participate in a lively quiz about Christmastime favorite TV, music, treats, and movies. Holiday punch, coffee, and cookies will also be on the menu.

Attendees are also urged to bring one of their own memories of Christmas in Alliance to share with all who come. It can be nothing more than to tell us an event that you loved, or a taste you remember. You can also bring objects such as a Christmas ornament, a jolly photo, or a Holiday keepsake and the group will spend part of the time sharing.

Registration is requested at rodmanlibrary.com.

For information, call 330-821-2665, ext. 204.

— Kids will paint a special Christmas character during the December Hot Pots Storytime.

Two sessions will be held, including Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. and another on Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11 a.m.

Children, ages 3-12, are invited to come to the Branch for a mini storytime and then proceed to Hot Pots, accompanied by their guardian, to paint a figurine of either Rudolph or Clarice from Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.

The cost is $15.99 per child and registration is required. The fee for the event is payable to Hot Pots upon registration at hotpotspottery.com.

For information, call the Branch Library at 330-821-1313.

— Children will be in awe as the Polar Express is brought to life through the theatrics of the Children’s Department. The program will be offered twice, including at 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 9, or at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 10 inside the Main Auditorium

The Polar Express, written by Chris Van Allsburg, will be read and passengers should be prepared for surprises along the way.

A special guest will appear at the end of the story, and a photo opportunity and craft will follow the program in the children’s programming room.

Pajamas are encouraged, but not required.

Registration is required for each person attending (children and adults) at rodmanlibrary.com.

For information, call the Children’s Department at 330-821-2665, ext. 223.

— Rodman Public Library’s monthly Kids Crafting program continues at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 when children, ages 7-12, are invited to come to the Main Library to create Christmas card ornaments.

All materials used during monthly kids crafting programs are provided for free thanks to the Friends of Rodman Public Library.

Registration is required.

For information, call the Children’s Department at 330-821-2665, ext. 223.

— Celebrate the holiday season with a live holiday concert featuring guitarist Tyler Guerrieri at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 14 at Rodman Public Library.

Guerrieri, the lead guitarist for two bands, including Decades and Guys Without Ties, will perform a one-hour solo instrumental show of traditional and classic Christmas songs that the entire family will enjoy.

The event, supported by Friends of Rodman Public Library, is free to attend. Space is limited, however, and registration is required to attend at rodmanlibrary.com.

— Rodman Public Library’s Lego Lab continues at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17 when the theme will be gingerbread houses.

Lego Lab, intended for children 6-12, is held on the third Tuesday of each month and children are encouraged to create items related to the monthly theme.

The program is free, thanks to Friends of Rodman Public Library, but space is limited and participants must register at rodmanlibrary.com.

For information, call 330-821-2665, ext. 223.

— The Cookbook Club, a group for cooking and baking enthusiasts, will meet at Rodman Public Library on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

During meetings, which are held in the auditorium, participants discuss his or her experience creating a recipe of their choice from a selected cookbook or on a specific theme. In December, cooks have their choice between Good Lookin’ Cookin’: A Year of Meals by Dolly Parton & Rachel Parton George or The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Super Easy!: 120 Shortcut Recipes for Dinners, Desserts, and More by Ree Drummond.

Participants may bring in small samples of the recipes for the others to try.

Cookbook Club usually meets on the last Tuesday of each month, but the December schedule is altered due to the holidays.

Although it is called a club, there is no formal membership and all are welcome, however, registration is required at rodmanlibrary.com or by calling 330-821-2665, ext. 210.

— Teens, ages 12-18, are invited to compete in Holiday Games inside the auditorium at Rodman Public Library from 3 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19.

Teens will participate in a variety of mini games similar to those played at family holiday get-togethers and prizes will be awarded throughout the event.

No registration is needed to participate in the free program that is supported by Friends of Rodman Public Library.

For information, call 330-821-2665, ext. 217.