Administrative and Cultural Center
Rovaniemi, Lapland
Alvar Aalto, architect
Rovaniemi is the capital of Lapland in northern Finland. Almost totally destroyed during World War II, today it’s a modern city known for being the "official" home town of Santa Claus, and for viewing the Northern Lights. It is also home to a trio of public buildings, designed by the great Finnish architect and designer Alvar Aalto, that comprise the city's new administrative and cultural center: City Library, Lappia House (above), and Town Hall. The Library, built in 1966 and pictured below, is a long, single-story structure crowned by a set of upper windows that provide ample natural light. Alvar Aalto designed nineteen libraries in Finland between the 1930's and his death in 1976.

The Library will be open on Sunday, December 24, from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. We will be closed on Monday, December 25. Hope to see you next week at our special holiday programs.
Happy holidays!

Each year, the Children’s Film Festival Seattle curates its Best of the Fest traveling program that includes award-winning and audience favorite films from the most recent festival. This program is intended to let youth audiences gain global awareness through the magic of film! Click here for a preview of the Best of the Fest and please plan to join us!

Best of the Fest: Animation Showcase
Wednesday, December 27, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Dive into exciting adventures and vibrant colors with this joyful collection of award-winning and audience favorite short animated films from Children’s Film Festival Seattle. Follow along as different critters and kids embark on adventures of friendship, family, and learning to be yourself! This program features films from Canada, Indonesia, India, Switzerland, and the United States. This program is for all ages and runs for 59 minutes. Registration here is appreciated.

Best of the Fest: Live-Action Shorts
Thursday, December 28, 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.

See the world through the eyes of the kids in this program of award-winning and audience favorite live-action short films from Children’s Film Festival Seattle. These narrative and documentary films feature inspiring young people who go on their own adventures, discover how to be true to themselves, and confront some of life’s challenges for the first time. This program features films with diverse characters and languages, and it is suggested for children ages 8+. It runs for 82 minutes. 
Registration here is appreciated.

The votes are in!
The Library's Teen Advisory Council hosted a gingerbread house decorating contest for teens. 74 people who came into the Library voted for their top three, including members of the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, who were here for a false alarm. The winning gingerbread house, complete with a menorah over the front door, was made by Leif Johnson and Wilson DeShazo. Second place honors go to Landon and Reid Nadeau, and third place to Alex Beale and her friend Anita. We thank everyone who voted, and special thanks to the volunteer firefighters for their service to the town.

Holiday Magic at the Florence Griswold Museum
Old Lyme, CT
Looking for something to do over the holidays? Check out a library museum pass for free admission to the Florence Griswold Museum. Over 250 unique painted artist palettes are displayed on trees in the Krieble Gallery with decorations throughout the historic Griswold House for a 1910 holiday. The Museum is open from 10 -5 Tuesday through Sunday (closed Sunday, Dec. 24).

See what's new at the Norfolk Library ...

Find our full list here.