Library News & Notes: Tickets on sale for New Year's Eve gala

Imagine strolling among glittering Christmas trees, nibbling gourmet appetizers and enjoying a delicious dinner, counting down to the moment when balloons drop and 2011 is a reality.

Imagine buying $10 Big Apple raffle tickets for the chance to win a four-day/three-night trip to New York, airfare and hotel reservations included. Also included in the raffle package are breakfast buffets, late afternoon wine and cheese, and a dinner for two.

Imagine experiencing this New York style enchanted evening and not having to wait until midnight to celebrate. The Library Foundation is currently selling tickets - $50 or $350 for a table of eight - for the New Year's Eve on New York Time party, 6-9 p.m. Dec. 31 at the State Library and Archives, 100 N. Stewart St.

The event includes dinner prepared by Chef Molly Gingell, champagne courtesy of the Carson Nugget, music, no-host bar and more. Black tie optional.

Reservations are accepted at the library in the Browser's Corner, online at www.foun

dationcclibrary.org, or by calling 775-885-9807.

BRIC grand opening and open house

Since its opening, the BRIC (Business Resource Innovation Center) has seen a steady influx of patrons and groups hoping to find a state-of-the-art location for meetings. On Tuesday, Dec. 14, at 4:30 p.m., the BRIC combines a Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting, followed by an open house and tours until 7:30 p.m. The BRIC is at 108 E. Proctor St.

Ways to help others at the library

Visit the library, bring handmade or new hats, scarves and gloves and decorate the Mitten Tree. With the early arrival of winter weather, these items are definitely needed by many in our community. Girl Scouts will distribute these items before Christmas.

Story Time ends temporarily on Dec. 16 and resumes in January. Be sure to stop by and see a "special guest" at 11 a.m. this Wednesday and Thursday. "Ho! Ho! Ho!"

The library will be closed on Friday, Dec. 24 and Saturday, Dec. 25.

Holiday book suggestions

Though award winning author/historian David McCullough usually writes long biographies, he has crafted a holiday story, "In the Dark Streets Shineth," based on a 1941 Christmas Eve meeting between Franklin Roosevelt and Winston Churchill and filled with photographs and background on Christmas songs "O Little Town of Bethlehem" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas." The book includes a DVD of McCullough's presentation of the book at the Mormon Tabernacle Choir's 2009 Christmas concert.

The library has Chris Van Allsburg's classic Caldecott Award winner, "The Polar Express," in just about every format imaginable, though the illustrations and the lyrical prose make it the perfect read-aloud. The book, which tells of a magical train ride to the North Pole, perfectly embodies the wonder and delight of the season.

For those wanting a quick, hilarious take on the holiday, pick up Barbara Robinson's "The Best Christmas Pageant Ever," which focuses on the six Herdman children, who wreak havoc when they become involved in the community Christmas pageant.

• Sandy Foley is vice chairperson for the Library Board of Trustees.