If you listen closely, you may hear Christmas carols and feel some early holiday cheer coming from the Fruitland Park Library.
The library coordinated several segments for its Christmas in July program, including a soup and toy drive that lasts through the end of July.
“It makes you realize (Christmas) is only six months away,” said Sue Furry, of Fruitland Park.
To kick off the festivities, the library hosted an apple cinnamon ornament making class July 11. Guests mixed together cinnamon, applesauce and glue to make a nonedible cookie ornament.
The class proved to be popular when it was offered last July and December.
Library director Jo-Ann Glendinning said she saw the cinnamon ornaments in a magazine more than 30 years ago and made them with her own children, who were 3 and 7 at the time. She still has the ornaments and her family hangs them on the tree during the holidays.
On Thursday, guests looking to perfect their gift-wrapping skills and learn tips on shipping packages attended the “How to Pack, Wrap and Ship Gifts” class at the library.
Liam Wagler, who is in charge of adult services and programming at the library, taught those in attendance how to wrap gifts of different sizes using scissors, tape, package stuffing and wrapping paper.
Guests learned how to wrap items that are oddly shaped or have sharp edges. They also learned how to create a pleated pattern when wrapping circular objects like plates or other fine china.
Furry said she ships packages often and was looking for any tips to make it easier.
“My family lives in Indiana and I have five grandchildren,” Furry said. “I want to know how to save on the dollar and I don’t want my mail to be damaged.”
Judi Martucci, of Leesburg, said she frequently attends classes at the library hosted by Wagler because they are entertaining and informative.
“I’m looking for ideas about shipping and we always have fun in Liam’s class,” Martucci said.
Some participants shared their own tips for wrapping gifts.
Carol Renn said her favorite job was wrapping gifts at Sears when the store offered in-store wrapping.
“My supervisor loved me because I got it straight every time,” said Renn, of Fruitland Park.
Wagler said when he first started working at the library in March 2023, Glendinning said she wanted to introduce new and different programming.
“Over the last year, the library has been more about community engagement,” Wagler said. “Giving people the chance to learn, grow and experience new things including cooking or learning life skills.”
Along with these events, the library hosted a soup and toy drive that will benefit the community.
The Toy Drive is being done in partnership with Toys for Tots. For the soup drive, the library partnered with Beyond the Walls Food Pantry, which is part of Heritage Community Church, located across the street from the library.
The library accepts food donations for the pantry year-round.
“We collect nonexpired, nonperishable canned goods and each month we are looking for something new,” Wagler said.
Colleen Brooks, director of the Beyond the Walls food pantry, said the pantry always needs donations and is collecting hearty canned soap right now.
“Donations are lowest in the summer months,” said Brooks, of the Village Palo Alto. “Collections from the library help the families so much. When we lock arms as a community, that’s how we become stronger.”
For more information on programs at the Fruitland Park Library, visit mylakelibrary.com.
For information about the Beyond the Walls Food Pantry, visit heritagecommunity.org/food-pantry.
Staff writer Brea Jones can be reached at 352-753-1119, ext. 5414, or brea.jones@thevillagesmedia.com.
