Lace up your aprons and embrace the spirit of the season – the Longmont Public Library’s free Festive Cookie Decorating Kits are back by popular demand, just in time for the holidays.
Going into its third year, the Longmont Public Library’s Festive Cookie Decorating Kits provide an outlet for artistic spirits, while satisfying sweet tooth cravings with DIY fun for the family.
“It's fun to see kids get creative, explore and enjoy cookies. It's a simple joy that not everyone in our community has ready access to and we hope it brightens the season for Longmont kids,” said Claire Studholme, children and teens librarian at the Longmont Public Library and co-lead for the program.
Though it’s been re-imagined several times, cookie decorating has been a beloved activity for library families since before the pandemic.
In years past, the library hosted a gingerbread house making program, eventually simplifying the program to a cookie decorating party that was in-person for two years. However, with the arrival of the pandemic in 2020, Studholme and the library sought a way to continue spreading holiday cheer while social distancing.
“We wanted to offer a free and accessible way for families to have some cheer during this time of year that wasn't just specific to Christmas but to general fun. We also wanted to make it an event that was COVID, RSV and flu safe as it involves eating and decorating with littles,” Studholme said. “Take-home kits, whether they are crafts or specialty items like cookies, are still hugely popular and offers a convenience for people who don't have time to come to a full in-person event with their kids.”
Due to a limited supply of 50 cookie decorating kits, families are invited to register online, by phone at (303)651-8477 or in person at the Children and Teens desk to receive one kit per household, including four gingerbread cookies from local bakery Spruce Confections, frosting and sprinkles. Funded by the Friends of the Longmont Library – a nonprofit organization that actively raises funds for various library programs, services and materials that benefit the community – participation is entirely free.
The kits are expected to move quickly and those interested are advised to register early. Registration will open on Dec. 12 and kits will be available for pick up at the Children and Teens desk from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 21-22, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 23.
