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Arts & Entertainment

Reindeer Games at the Finksburg Library

Children came out to learn about real reindeer and participate in reindeer-themed activities

With thoughts and fancies of reindeer and Santa Claus filling the minds of eager children, Finksburg Library held the perfect event in time for the holiday season—Reindeer Live In Finland?

 Reindeer Live In Finland?, also known as "Reindeer Games," took place on Dec. 20 at 10 a.m. at the Finksburg Library. With more than a dozen children from infancy to early elementary school age in attendance,  this event incorporated arts and crafts, games, music and of course reading and learning.



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"It's a good way to broaden the horizon so that children can learn about different cultures," explained Children's Library Associate Barbara Weber, who has been with the Finksburg Library Branch for two years. Weber explained the idea for this event grew from a conversation she had with her friend, Markuu Tapini Alexander Luoto, who lives in Finland. She spoke of Finnish Christmas foklore—reindeer are native to the region, and the belief is that Santa really lives in Finland rather than the North Pole.

Weber started out by seating herself on the carpet with her guitar as the children gathered around. She educated the audience with facts about reindeer.  She also presented real life photos of reindeer in their native environment and showed children a map to  illustrate the distance of Finland from the United States.

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Children enjoyed story time with two reindeer-themed picture books—Where's Prancer? and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Between readings, children also enjoyed participating in musical sing-a-longs. For "Up on the House Top," children used sticks for the "click, click, click," as Weber accompanied them on her guitar. The group also sang "Jingle Bells," merrily ringing bells. Everyone danced to the "Reindeer Pokey," which is a reindeer take on the popular "Hokey Pokey." Each child had a try at "Pin the Nose on Rudolph,"  and then made their way to the crafts table to make reindeer using candy-canes, pipe-cleaners, eyes and a nose.

"Many young children haven't been out of the State of Maryland, much less another country," Williams said. Thanks to this event, children were able to learn about other cultures and reindeer while experiencing a fun, free and festive hour at the library.  

"I really enjoy these library events," said Michelle Williams of Eldersburg, who brought her 5-year-old grandson Evan to the event.  As Children's Library Associate, Williams presents many regular programs designed for young library visitors.

The Finksburg Library is located at 2265 Old Westminster Pike, Finksburg. For more information, call 410-386-4505.

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