ROCKLAND — Celebrate the holiday season at the Rockland Public Library. This December brings many special seasonal events for people of all ages. As always, library events are free and open to the public. The Rockland Public Library is located at 80 Union St. For more information about these programs and events, call 594-0310.

Consider bringing in non-perishable foods for the AIO Food Pantry for the Library's food/toiletry drive and helping out neighbors in need.

For non-perishable food items, most needed are: canned fish or meat products (protein food), soup, fruit and fruit juices, evaporated milk and powdered milk and cereals. Also needed: soap – dish washing and personal, tooth brushes and other basic toiletries.

The Drive will last through the end of December.

For Children and Families:

Fridays in December at 3:30 p.m.
Starting December 5
Crafting for the Holidays

Every Friday afternoon in December, there will be crafting for the holidays in the Children's Room. Come to enjoy music, goodies, and lots of lovely craft ideas and supplies.

Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3:30 p.m.
Annual Children's Holiday Party and Tree Lighting

Local Father–Daughter musical duo Old Town Road (comprised of Bob Stuart and Megan Rogers) will lead children in traditional and seasonal songs, the Friends of the Library will share homemade cookies, and the children will help decorate the tree.

For adults and teens:

Thursday, Dec. 11 at 6 p.m.
Film: Remember the Night

Starring Barbara Stanwyck and Fred MacMurray.

Classy shoplifter Lee Leander, on trial for swiping a diamond bracelet, has her case postponed by Assistant District Attorney John Sargent until after Christmas. Taking pity on her, he bails her out of jail. He's driving home to Indiana for the holidays, and when he finds Lee's a Hoosier too, offers to drop her at her mother's on the way.

When she's rejected by her mother, he brings her home to his place where his mother, his aunt and their farmhand, Willie, give her a real Christmas and the love she's never had. Inevitably, Lee and John fall in love — but there's still a trial ahead.

Tuesday, Dec. 16 at 6 p.m.
Simple Gifts Craft Night

In the Community Room. Does the thought of selecting holiday gifts for friends and family make your head spin? Why not make them a lovely handmade gift instead?

Come to the Library for a fun-filled evening making several different gifts. There will be at least four tables of different crafts to create, including snowflake and beaded tree ornaments. Free, with supplies and guidance provided.

Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 6 p.m.
Greg Marley: Wild Mushrooms of the Yuletide Season

Join local mushroom expert and author Greg Marley as he explores wild edible, medicinal and poisonous mushrooms, reveals the connections of mushrooms to the Yuletide season, and the answers to these vexing seasonal questions. This talk will be a blend of fact, fantasy, and supposition for all ages. Marley will have copies of his books available for sale after the presentation.

For people of all ages:

Sunday, Dec. 14 at 3 p.m.
Holiday Sing -Along

Celebrate the holiday season with a sing-along and story in the Library's Reading Room. Songs will be led and accompanied by pianist Sojourner Hodges and Peter Proeller on banjo. Even if you are not a singer, come and enjoy an afternoon of community while listening to favorite holiday music.

Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m.
Dramatic Reading: A Child's Christmas in Wales

Dylan Thomas' classic A Child's Christmas in Wales will be performed in the Community Room this year by Erika Pfander and Peter Jenks and local area musicians . This is the 21st year of this special performance.