On December 20th, the Meridian Lauderdale Public Library had its 4th annual Santa’s Workshop. Santa’s Workshop is a festive community outreach event complete with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, a petting zoo, and arts and crafts for children.

 

 

Elizabeth Jolly, the program coordinator who planned the event, said the workshop is an event for families to come take pictures with Santa and listen to Mrs. Claus read Christmas stories.

 

 

Along with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, the petting zoo played a part in creating the atmosphere of Santa’s workshop; however, for Angie Hales, the owner of Angie Hales Pony Tales, it means a lot more than that.

 

 

“Sometimes you see physically, mentally, or emotionally handicapped children, and I’ve seen my animals be able to help them and bring them out of their shells,” said Hales.

 

Regardless of why people may have gone, whether to see the Claus’, pet the animals, or to create arts and crafts with their families, Santa’s Workshop was a fun and lighthearted event with the goal of building a positive relationship with members of the community, Jolly said.

 

 

“We really wanted a way to reach out to the community and get people into the library because reading is very important,” said Jolly. “It’s a day to come in and see what resources your community offers.”

 

 

Jolly said that the Meridian Lauderdale Public Library has programs every Thursday at 3:30 p.m. for students K-12th and adults in the community. More information about the library’s events and programs can be found at meridianlauderdalecolibrary.com.