Jólabókaflóðið

Join us for a cozy winter evening of books and chocolate in the tradition of Iceland's Jólabókaflóð. Gather at the library for an evening of reading by candle and lamplight. Bring a book of your own or borrow from the library shelves. Sip some hot chocolate and munch on cookies, visit with friends, and join children for some Christmas stories with Lyn, then spread out around the library and snuggle up to read. Some comfortable seating will be available, or bring a cozy cushion, blanket, or pillow to sit on.

Open to adults, teens, & families
Sign-up Required: https://forms.gle/qFXTHy8RzJWuVpgP7

According to my research, Iceland has a population of about 329,000 people, has a 100% literacy rate, and 70% of Icelanders will publish at least one book in their lifetime. As such a small country, books in Iceland are only printed from September through December. A catalog of books is sent out to Icelanders, who order gifts of books to give to loved ones for the holidays. "The Icelandic tradition of Jólabókaflóð, or the 'Christmas Book Flood,' is a unique cultural phenomenon with roots deeply connected with the nation’s history and literary heritage. This beloved tradition emerged during World War II, an era marked by economic constraints and strict currency restrictions across Europe. In Iceland, these conditions and the relative leniency on paper imports made books an accessible and highly valued gift choice. Unlike other commodities, paper was not rationed in Iceland during the war, paving the way for books to become the preferred Christmas gift." (from https://adventures.is/)

You may also like the following events from Whitefield Public Library:

• Next Saturday, 6th December, 01:45 pm, Holiday Paper Crafting in Whitefield
• Next month, 10th December, 06:30 pm, Bood Group in Whitefield
• Next month, 13th December, 01:30 pm, Create Homemade Holiday Gift Wrap in Whitefield

Also check out other Arts events in Whitefield, Literary Art events in Whitefield.