Holiday Books and More for You and the Grandkids

Janet Fabio, Renee Mazin, and Sharon Scanlan

The holidays are here, and the DesertView Library can make this hectic season a little easier.

If grandkids are visiting, bring them to the DesertView Library to find books and DVDs in the Children’s Collection. There are holiday classics, such as Polar Express and How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Or enjoy The Count’s Hanukkah Countdown and Disney’s A Christmas Carol. Beyond holiday-themed books and movies, the library recently added several lovely new books to share with your young visitors. Look for It Fell from the Sky, Bright Star, and The Keeper of Wild Words. The Animal in Me is Very Plain to See features photos by famed wildlife photographer Thomas Mangelsen. Watch for books in the new series about the adventures of Carly and Charly, twin cats who live in SaddleBrooke!

There are also a number of books about the Desert Southwest to help the grandchildren learn more about where you live. Look for Bedtime in the Southwest, Desert Night, Desert Day, G is for Grand Canyon, and many more intriguing titles for the little ones.

When it’s time to relax, the DesertView Library has more than 2,200 videos available. Enjoy classic Christmas movies with the entire family. Check out Miracle on 34th Street, Elf, and A Christmas Story, as well as newer holiday movies.

Need to get in the holiday spirit? Try a new, holiday-themed novel from the DesertView Library. Look for Dear Santa by Debbie Macomber, The Santa Suit by Mary Kay Andrews, Matzoh Ball by Jean Meltzer, It’s a Wonderful Woof by Spencer Quinn, or Best in Snow by David Rosenfelt.

Want to offer Southwest cuisine to your holiday guests? The Southwest Collection at DesertView Library has a selection of books featuring unique recipes. Newer titles include Taste of Tucson, featuring Sonoran-style recipes inspired by the rich culture of Southern Arizona. Everything from appetizers to desserts can be found in Dining with the Desert Museum: Favorite Recipes from the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum. The two-volume Tastes and Treasures: A Storytelling Cookbook of Historical Arizona offers recipes and stories from Arizona’s historic destinations, such as the Arizona Inn and the Copper Queen Hotel. Or check out Western National Parks’ Lodges Cookbook, which includes signature recipes along with histories of 15 great lodges in 10 national parks.

To make it easier to find holiday-themed books and DVDs, check the display at the front of the DesertView Library. Stop in, grab a book or movie, and go. The library will also have a handout listing many more holiday-themed books and movies to enjoy during the season. Books and movies listed in this article or on the handout from the library can be reserved using the catalog link on the libraries’ website, www.sblibraries.com. If you are not yet registered to use the libraries, the friendly volunteers at the DesertView and SaddleBrooke One Libraries will assist you. It’s fast, easy, and free!

The Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries (FSL) provides the funding to purchase new books, DVDs, and audiobooks for the SaddleBrooke Community Libraries. If you are not a member of FSL, learn more at their website, www.sbfsl.org.