• MPL  SPOTLIGHT •
 
Snacks in the Stacks
Thank You, Mayerthorpe Kinettes!
We are thrilled to share our gratitude with the Kinette Club of Mayerthorpe for generously sponsoring the Library’s 2026 Snacks in the Stacks initiative!
 
Thanks to their support, we’ll be serving healthy snacks—especially enjoyed by our after-school visitors, including kids and teens who come to read, get free tutoring, use the public computers, or just hang out.
 
A big shout-out also goes to our partners in this initiative: the Mayerthorpe Food Bank and the BC Fruit Truck. Together with the Kinettes, we’re proud to make the library a place that nourishes both minds and bodies.
 
 
 
 
Holiday Movie Matinee
Popcorn and Clean-Up Is on Us!
 
All aboard for a magical winter movie night at the library! This month’s feature is The Polar Express (Rated G), a heartwarming animated adventure based on the beloved children’s book. Follow a young boy who boards a mysterious train bound for the North Pole, discovering friendship, wonder, and the spirit of the season along the way.
 
Admission is free—just drop in! We'll provide complimentary popcorn and water. Feel free to bring your own comfy seating, though chairs will be provided.
 
 
 
 
Closed
Holiday Hours at MPL
The library will be closed Dec. 23 – 26.
We will be open Tue, Dec 30 | 10am – 5pm and
Wed, Dec. 31 | 10am – 3pm.
 
The library will also be closed on Jan 1 and 2, then we’ll return to our regular hours.
 
Happy Holidays from all of us at MPL!
Stock up on your favorite books—and remember, our digital collection never takes a break!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Christmas Lite Up
Friday, Dec 5 | 4 – 6pm at the Legion
Although the library won’t be open during the festivities, Tara from our Cupcake Club will be at the Legion with cookies ready to decorate!
 
Stop by to decorate a Christmas card for veterans overseas, enjoy a hot dog, and sip some hot chocolate while you finish your cookie.
 
 
 
 
Gift Wrappers Needed!
Tue, Dec 9 | 1 – 3pm &
Wed, Dec 10 | 11 – 4pm
We need helping hands to wrap gifts for our Secret Santa for Seniors program!
 
We love seeing how quickly our community steps up each year to help brighten the holidays for others. Thank you to everyone playing Santa this year—you’re spreading cheer and making the season brighter for our seniors.
 
Call the library to volunteer.

 
 
 
 
 
Beaded Snowflakes
Create a beautiful beaded snowflake ornament with Sue in this hands-on winter craft session. This drop-in program is open to ages 10 and up (adults included), and all supplies are provided. While you are welcome to drop in, registrations are appreciated so we can prepare enough materials for everyone.
 
Ages 10+
 
 
 


 
 
 
DIY Wire Jewelry –
Try It with Jess!
Ever wanted to try your hand at making your own wire jewelry? Jess has—and with the YRL jewelry kit and a YouTube video for guidance, she wants you to join her! Together, you will experiment with wire to create earrings and a ring. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity!
 
Adult Day: Wed, Dec 10 | 5–6:30 pm
Teen Day: Fri, Dec 12 | 4–5 pm
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
• KIDS •
 
 
 
 
Library Littles
Read, Sing, and Play at MPL
Bring your little ones (ages 0–6) to this drop-in program filled with rhymes, stories, and songs. It’s a wonderful way to encourage early literacy and spend quality time together. No registration required—just come and enjoy!
 
 
 
 
 
Hands-On Fun
Creative Craft Time at MPL
Bring your little ones for a relaxed, hands-on session filled with simple holiday-themed crafts and open-ended creativity. We’ll provide a variety of easy, kid-friendly materials—perfect for little hands to explore, make, and decorate.
 
Ages 0–6 (siblings welcome), and grown-ups—join in and create together!
 
Dress for mess—crafting can get a little colorful!
 
 
 
 
 
 

      The Elephant's Birthday: Ready-To-Read Level 2 by Cynthia Rylant
Lone Wolf Goes to the Library by Kiah Thomas
   No More Chairs by Dan Gill
 
 
 
 
 
• TEENS •
 
 
 


Cupcake Fix: A Branches Book (Layla and the Bots #3): Volume 3 by Vicky Fang
Max in the House of Spies: A Tale of World War II by Adam Gidwitz
Noah Frye Gets Crushed by Maggie Horne
 
 
 
 
 
• ADULTS •
 
 
 
Herb Club
Yule Celebrations
This month, Herb Club is all about light in the darkness. Together we’ll craft sparkling ice lanterns filled with herbs and evergreens, and walk a reflective Yule spiral to honor the return of the sun. Come warm your spirit with community, candlelight, and simple rituals that carry us through the longest nights of the year.
 
Please bring a bucket/container   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Creative Writers
If you love to write—or want to start—this group is the perfect place to explore your creativity. Led by Margaret Thibault, former journalist and author of I’m OK Until I’m Not OK: Grief From A to Z, each session offers tips, prompts, and supportive feedback for writers of all levels.
 
Bring your notebook, your ideas, and your curiosity. Drop in and see where your words can take you!
 
 
 
 
 
The Nature of the Journey: A Trail Guide for Companioning Your Person on the End-Of-Life Journey by Tracy L. Chalmers
          I, Medusa by Ayana Gray
          The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty by Tracy Borman
 
 
 
• COMMUNITY INFORMATION •
 
 
 
 
Santa’s Naughty and Nice List
He Knows if You’ve Been Bad or Good… So Be Good for Goodness’ Sake!
 
The 2025 Lite Up Committee is helping Santa check his list twice with their annual Naughty and Nice List fundraiser—and this year, it’s supporting the Mayerthorpe Public Library!
 
Think someone deserves a spot on the Nice List for being a reading rockstar? Or maybe a certain someone forgot to return a library book on time and belongs on the Naughty List? Either way, you can “report” them to Santa with a donation!
 
Donations can be made by stopping in at Hendrickson Black or by e-transfer to charlottea@hbllp.ca. For every donation, a requested name will be added to Santa’s Naughty or Nice List—which will be displayed at Hendrickson Black throughout the season.
 
When: Nov 12 – Dec 12
Where: Hendrickson Black, Mayerthorpe
Cost: Donation-based
 
All proceeds will help support programs and services at the Mayerthorpe Public Library.
 
Follow the Lite Up Committee for updates at Facebook, or on Instagram.
 
 
 
 
Community Christmas Dinner
A festive meal for the whole community to enjoy!
 
Pembina West Co-op and Mayerthorpe FCSS are partnering to bring Christmas cheer with a warm holiday dinner for all to attend.
 
When: Sun, Dec 14 — Choose from 12pm or 2pm seating
Where: Mayerthorpe Diamond Centre
 
Capacity: Maximum of 200 attendees per seating
Pre-registration is encouraged, as seating is limited.
 
To register, contact Shelby at the Town Office: 780-786-2416 ext. 223
 
 
 
 
Together Talk Counselling
Here for You in Mayerthorpe
Looking for someone to talk to? Together Talk offers free in-person and virtual counselling in Mayerthorpe. Their trained counsellors provide support, guidance, and a safe, confidential space to share.
 
When:  Wed, 1 – 7pm
Upcoming dates:
• Dec 10, 2025
• Jan 7 & 21, 2026
• Feb 4 & 18, 2026
• Mar 4 & 18, 2026
 
Where: Mayerthorpe Town Office (Basement), 4911–52 Street
Cost: Free (by appointment only)
 
Book an appointment:
Together Talk: 780-674-9366
FCSS Mayerthorpe: 780-786-2416 ext. 223
More info: www.togethertalk.ca
 
 
 
 
Borrow or Bring Puzzle Days
Piece together some fun!
 
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon working on jigsaw puzzles—either solo or as a team. Bring a favourite from home or borrow one provided on-site, including:
  • DC Justice League — 1000 pcs (26.6" x 19")
  • Harry Potter Castle Scene — 1000 pcs
  • Harry Potter Marauder’s Map — 1000 pcs
  • MB Puzzle “Summer House” — 1000 pcs
When: Dec 4 & 11, Thursdays | 1–3pm
Register: Call 780-786-2416 ext.228
 
Hosted by Mayerthorpe FCSS (Family & Community Support Services).
 
 
 
 
 
Community Cookbook
Share a Family Favorite!
 
The town is putting together a community cookbook, and we’d love for our patrons to be part of it! Do you have a favorite family recipe you’d like to share? Send it to us and help celebrate our community’s culinary traditions.
 
Where: Submit your recipe to Mayerthorpe Public Library
 
Stay tuned for details about the cookbook, including availability and deadlines!
 
 
 
 
Let Your Art Out with Jacquie Paul
Explore creativity, wellness, and self-discovery in a 5-day art retreat with Jacquie Paul! Each day focuses on a different theme:
 
  • Day 1 – Mixed Media: Create a vision for the present moment and beyond
  • Day 2 – Mandalas: Thriving in the chaos
  • Day 3 – Masks: Who are we beneath the mask?
  • Day 4 – Doll Making: Celebrate and guide your inner child
  • Day 5 – Automatic Painting: Trust your own wisdom
 
When: 10am – 4pm 
Register: Call 780-785-4123 | Attend one or all five days
Cost: $60 per day
 
And don’t miss Jacquie Paul’s 25th Anniversary Art Show & Workshop at the Red Brick Arts Centre & Museum, 4818 7th Ave, Edson, Alberta from Nov 25 – Dec 18!
 
 
 
 
 
Mayerthorpe Christmas Lite Up Market
Shop Local & Celebrate the Season!
Get into the holiday spirit with an evening of festive shopping, cozy treats, and community cheer! During Mayerthorpe’s Lite Up festivities, the annual Christmas Lite Up Market brings together local vendors, handmade goods, and delicious food—all under one warm, welcoming roof.
 
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift, stocking up on holiday goodies, or just enjoying the merry atmosphere, this market is a great way to support local creators and kick off the season in style. And don’t forget to grab a hot chocolate from the Legion while you browse!
 
When: Fri, Dec 5  |  5 – 9pm
Where: Mayerthorpe Legion Hall, 5111–45 Ave (Veterans Way)
Cost: Free entry
 
Shop local, enjoy the lights, and be part of the Christmas magic in Mayerthorpe!
 
 
 
 
• THE LAST WORD •
 
 
Whether you popped in to discover a new gadget in our Library of Things, battled it out on the computers or on one of our board games, enjoyed a quiet corner to work, met up with friends, or got lost in our books and displays—you made 2025 at the library truly special.
 
Looking ahead, we have exciting plans for 2026 with events, activities, and surprises that we can’t wait to share. And speaking of surprises… get ready to be towed into some reading fun! With a generous gift from Highway 43 Towing, next year’s Reading Challenge promises twists and treats you won’t want to miss.
 
 
 
 
 
 


Mayerthorpe Public Library
4601-52 Street | PO Box 810
Mayerthorpe, Alberta T0E 1N0
780.786.2404

www.mayerthorpelibrary.ab.ca