Holiday Help at the Bellevue Public Library

By Melissa Moore, Library Technical Services

We’re in the final stretch of the year, and the holidays are coming fast! We all want to enjoy the family, friends, and fun that come with holiday festivities, but with prices on the rise, we’re all looking to capture the holiday spirit without emptying our bank accounts in the process. So, before you start your holiday planning, come to the Bellevue Public Library for free and helpful resources. You’ll be amazed at everything we have to offer!

Books

Well, of course, there are books! It’s a library! But have you stopped to consider the wide variety available?

• Picture books and novels. It doesn’t matter if you’re 7 or 77, there’s nothing quite like a book to make you stop and enjoy the spirit of the season.
• Books on history, customs, and religion. It’s easy to get lost in the consumerism that surrounds our end-of-the-year holidays, so it’s important to step back at times and take a good look at what they’re really about.
• Cookbooks. Cookbooks! COOKBOOKS! Whether you’re just looking for a new cookie recipe or need a dish to accommodate dietary restrictions with over 1,200 cookbooks on the shelves, it’s almost guaranteed there’s something perfect for your needs.
• Arts & Crafts books. What better way to make the holidays extra special than with handmade decorations and gifts? No matter your age, skill level, or interest, we’ve got the books to get you started.
• Decorating Books and Magazines. Just need a little inspiration?

And don’t forget that many books and magazines are available digitally through OverDrive!

Maker Space

For those looking to take their DIY project to the next level, the Bellevue Library hosts over a dozen specialized machines available for public use in our maker space, including:

• Epson Pigment & Ink Printers
• Sawgrass 500 Sublimation Printer
• Bettersub Mug Press
• Fancierstudio Heat Press
• Fellows Laminator
• Die Cut Machine
• Szzix Machine
• Universal Laser Cutter
• Ibico Binding System
• Cricut Maker
• Flashforge 3D Printer
• Janome Memory Embroidery Machine
• Sewing Machines
• Canon Large Format Printer

These machines are free to use but additional materials must be brought in or purchased from the library. The maker space is in high demand over the holidays and requires appointments with trained staff. To make an appointment request or ask questions email [email protected] or call 402-293-3157.

Take Home Supplies

Get crafty in the comfort of your own home with these take home supplies:

• Stamp Kits: Themed stamp kits are available for checkout, 2 per account. Perfect for cardmaking and scrapbooking!
• Cake Pans: Tis’ the season to bake, bake, bake! Come in for themed cake pans to make a beautiful bundt cake or an adorable Santa cake!
• Craft Kits: Every month, the library provides a variety of take-home craft kits for kids, teens, and adults and November and December are no different. Check out our website at bellevuelibrary.org to see upcoming crafts. See one you like? Check the webpage’s event calendar, select the craft, and click the register button to sign up. Registration opens Sunday at midnight a week prior to the date on the event calendar and they fill up fast, so don’t delay!

Take Home Entertainment

Family and friends are coming to visit, so how do you keep them busy while the turkey is in the oven?

• Movies: The BPL has a DVD collection to put any streaming service to shame. Check out up to 10 DVDs per account at a time. Need to find something for someone else, but aren’t familiar with their preferred genre? Pick up a Binge Box! It’s 10 themed DVDs per box for them to pick from. Even better, you can check out one Binge Box and 10 individual DVDs together. That’s 20 movies!
• CDs: A little music for your get-togethers and shopping trips never goes amiss.
• Jigsaw puzzles and tabletop games. Turn off the TV and gather around the table! It’s time to play!

Outside Entertainment

Getting a little stir-crazy? Check these out!

• Leisure Passes

The Bellevue Library provides family passes free of charge to our patrons to the following attractions:

• Durham Museum
• Omaha Children’s Museum
• Fontanelle Forest
• Lauritzen Gardens

These passes are now available through online reservation on our website at bellevuelibrary.org or calling 402-239-3157 up to 30 days in advance. Be aware, that each pass can only be used once per family during a 30-day period. Once reserved, a digital pass will be sent to your email. If the pass cannot be displayed on your phone, it may be printed at home or by the library free of charge.

• Zoo Passes. On Friday, December 1st, the library will be handing out one time use family passes to the Henry Doorly Zoo to patrons in good standing. These passes are handed out on a first come, first serve basis and cannot be reserved in advance.
• Bellevue Public Library Christmas Concert Series: During the month of December, the library will be hosting a series of live performances by local high schools and bands. Dates and times will be posted as soon as possible.

Miscellaneous

• Holiday Wrapping Station: During the month of December, the library will provide free wrapping paper and supplies to the public.
• Book Sale Room: The Book Sale Room is open every day and year-round. Prices range from 10 cents to $2.00, making it a great place to find a gift on a tight budget.
• Handmade Cards. Retired children’s librarian and full-time library supporter, Alice Boeckman’s cards are handmade, entirely unique, and at $2 apiece, an absolute steal. All funds raised go directly to support the Bellevue Public Library and its programming.

Photos by Connie Barnard