The Great Bend Public Library remains closed this week as several staff members are at home due to COVID-19 but the library is tentatively set to reopen on Monday. Santa Claus will lend a hand by reading a Christmas story online at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 14. He’s also left some gifts for children 0-12 years old to pick up next week, said Children’s Librarian Amy Mayhill.
Monday’s online storytime will be a private Zoom session and registration is required, said Hannah Grippin, outreach manager at the library. Registration is open on the GBPL webpagehttps://greatbendpl.info/santa-story-time/.
Participants will have a chance to talk to Santa individually and tell him what they want for Christmas. While waiting to talk with Santa, children will play games and sing songs together.
“We hope you can join us for this fun holiday event that is sure to bring a little holiday magic straight to your home,” Grippin said.
Loren and Cindy Phillips of Great Bend have been known to play the roles of Santa and Mrs. Claus. This week Loren answered some questions about the big guy’s upcoming visit.
Ever since Santa started doing storytime visits at the Great Bend Public Library, more and more children have attended each year, he said. While he’d rather see the children in person, Miss Amy at the library is helping the Clauses prepare for the Zoom meeting.
Santa, who is known for his jolly personality, said sometimes children are shy about approaching him but they will talk to Mrs. Claus. “Some will whisper in her ear,” he said.
When Phillips dresses up as Santa, he quickly falls into the famous gift-giver’s persona.
“It just kind of comes natural now,” he said. “My beard is all natural.” He tells inquisitive children that the flecks of black in his beard are soot from the chimney. “You’ve got to be on your toes,” he said.
Santa leaves gifts at library for kids up to 12 years old
“Santa is a busy man and he has stopped by the library to deliver gifts but couldn’t stay long,” Mayhill said. “He has asked library staff to be his Christmas helpers this year and help him pass out gifts to all the good little boys and girls (ages 0 to 12 years) who come to the library this year.”
Come to the Great Bend Public Library, 1409 Williams St., next week between Tuesday and Friday, Dec. 15-18, to pick up a special gift left for kids by Santa himself. Santa has left one gift per child. Stop by the Children’s Department to pick up a special gift while supplies last.
