Washington Library hosts noon year’s eve party

WASHINGTON - It was the day before the new millennium and all through the Washington Public Library kids were cheering and sporting 2020 glasses as they rang in the new year with a noon year's eve party.

Jenisa Harris, youth services librarian, said this was her second year hosting the event. Last year, she had just more than 120 participants and this year a little less than 200.

She said the idea to host a party at noon stemmed from wanting to make sure families had a place they could celebrate together for children to young to stay up until midnight. By providing crafts and a balloon drop at noon, she said it was a sure way to ensure families could make positive memories together.

'If parent's do go out and do something with their friends later, at least they had a chance to make a fun family memory together,” she said.

Harris said it has also worked in the favor of families who are visiting from out of town. She said many grandparents and visiting children were able to celebrate the holiday together in the library. Brent Kromrie, of Washington, attended the event for the first time. He said now that his daughter is two year's old, she was able to enjoy the crafts and celebration with other kids.

He said because bedtime was way before the ball would drop on TV, celebrating at the library was a great alternative and one he would continue next year.

Mom of four, Stephanie Blanchard, echoed that sentiment. She said she attended the celebration last year and again this year for the same reason: 'momma needed to get out of the house.” She said it is often difficult to find things for kids to do over the Christmas break but by the library providing a fun, safe environment they are able to enjoy it together.

'Sometimes school break can be long so I'm glad the library can provide some place for us to go,” she said.