Thrifty Thurston Enjoys Free and Fanciful Fun at the Olympia Library BiblioBall

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By Gale Hemmann

greene realtyThere’s no denying it: winter’s here. Amidst the chilly weather and many holiday obligations, you may find yourself looking for something fun and different to do. Something festive and special, but not your typical holiday event. Something the whole family can get out of the house and enjoy. Well, I have just the answer.

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The Youth Services team brings fun to the library – here, they are dressed up in Halloween costumes (from left to right: Emily Vineberg, Mary Rulewicz, and Sara Lachman). Photo courtesy of Olympia Timberland Library

The Olympia Timberland Library is affectionately known as “Olympia’s Living Room.” But on the evening of Saturday, December 20, it will be transformed into Olympia’s Ballroom for the first time ever. The first annual BiblioBall, a formal ball for all ages, is a family-friendly event full of dancing, live music, crafts, and gift-making. It is totally free, open to everyone, and promises to be a “magical evening of fairy-tale fun.”

Dressing up in fanciful clothing and spending a glamorous (yet free) evening at the local library? I have to admit, the idea of the BiblioBall intrigued me. I met with Mary Rulewicz and Sara Lachman, library staff, to find out more about this unique community party.

Lachman got the inspiration for the event on a trip to New Orleans, where she attended a wonderful intergenerational dance. She thought the Olympia community would also respond well to the idea of such a fun, festive evening for all ages. The other Youth Services staff, Mary Rulewicz and Emily Vineberg, were on board and have all worked closely together to make it happen, with the support of the other library staff and the Friends of the Olympia Library.

So, what can you expect to do at the BiblioBall? This after-hours community event, which runs from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., offers a smorgasbord of activities. Listen to live music by the Contra Quartet and boogie down on the dance floor. Local printmaker Mimi Williams will lead art activities (you can follow her on Facebook here). Kids will have plenty of opportunities to make handmade holiday gifts. The whole family can enjoy light refreshments, a drawing for a prize (a print by Williams), and a “gift-worthy book sale.” Attendees will also have a chance to make their own special masquerade mask to wear.

You can also get free photos taken in a photo booth. Everyone is encouraged to attend in their “finest fairy-tale fashion or formalwear.” This could mean anything from that prom dress you have in your closet to a thrift-shop score to a handmade creation. Re-purpose an old Halloween costume or wear your fanciest attire. Dressing up in creative outfits will definitely enhance the fun and magic of the event for kids (and adults too). This is “Olympia formal,” so creativity and imagination are what count. There will also be a “fairytale promenade” for those who wish to show off their costume creations.

library events
Two teens model their cosplay fashion on the runway at the Library Anime Convention held for teens during the summer reading program. There will also be a fashion promenade at the BiblioBall. Photo courtesy of Olympia Timberland Library

Lachman and Rulewicz told me about the plans to transform the library space into a whimsical fantasyland for the ball. Luminaries created for the Procession of the Species are being provided by Procession founder Eli Sterling and volunteer Nichole Rose. The library atrium will be turned into the dance floor. And, Rulewicz notes that this is also a wonderful chance to share the library’s folk and fairy tale collection (enduring classics for all ages, and a great choice for family reading time) with a special display. “This is a low-stress, fun event for everyone, and of course it also has a literary element,” she says.

One thing that always impresses me about the library is how they offer such creative and original activities. If you’re looking for free, family-friendly fun that encourages kids’ love of books, check out some of their ongoing activities and other upcoming events. They offer popular weekly story times for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers as well. Older kids can join book clubs, and there are plenty of volunteer opportunities for teens.

The Olympia Library staff and volunteers are excited to see the BiblioBall come to life. They are hoping to make this an annual event, with a different theme each year. “We think the library is a treasure, and we want to share this treasure with the community,” says Rulewicz.

The BiblioBall is sponsored by the Friends of the Olympia Library (“like” them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter).

The Contra Quartet is part of the Olympia Contra Dance Community, a non-profit which celebrates this unique style of music and dance. (You can also find them on Facebook.)

Since the event is held after-hours, no regular library services will be available. For more information about family programming at the library, visit the Olympia Timberland Library’s website and follow them on Facebook (and check out this past Thrifty Thurston article).

library events
Kids have fun at a Musical Story Time event at the library with Olympia artist Nikki McClure (left), library staff Mary Rulewicz (center), and local musician Greta Jane (right). Photo courtesy of Olympia Timberland Library

Like all library events, admission to the BiblioBall is free. Drop by any time the library is open (see their hours here) to learn more details, dig out some fun costumes (or hit the local thrift shops), and you’re on your way to one enchanted evening.

BiblioBall 2014: Fairy Tale Formal

Olympia Timberland Library

313 8th Avenue Southeast in Olympia

Saturday, December 20, 2014 from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Find more details on the Facebook event page or the library website.

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