Tree Fest: Magical Wonderland of Books

By Kay Poeth

The Rudy Gelett Library in Selinsgrove has been transformed into a twinkling wonderland of
trees decorated with children’s book-themed decorations. 27 displays capture the imagination
and share the love of reading with all the visitors strolling through the festively decorated nooks
and crannies of the library. Tree Fest 2017 running until December 21 is certain to spark
conversations about books and generate enthusiasm for the Snyder County Libraries reading
programs.
“We have had a spectacular response this year with 22 trees and 5 wreaths. The decorators
range in age from preschool age to senior citizens and also a number of church entries,”
Gretchen Wagoner, Tree Fest Chairperson, says enthusiastically. “Each display has a high level
of creativity, depicting the theme of the children’s book.” Each year the event is filled with
exciting new book selections showcasing the ingenuity and imagination of the entries.
“It feels good to be a part of this wonderful Christmas community program, it has become an
annual tradition for SVRC. We have participated in this festive event every year since
the Friends of Rudy Gelnett Memorial Library first began this project,” says Ang Marcinek of
the Susquehanna Valley Reading Council. SVRC decorated Tree #21 A Very Marley
Christmas. “This event brings children and families to the library, which is one of the purposes
of our organization to bring families together to read. It encourages families to interact with
children’s books of all kinds.”
Guest judges for this year’s Tree Fest were Janet Latchford and Sara Lauver. For Janet
Latchfor the judging was a difficult task. “The decorating ideas were amazing: how to take any
children's book and turn it into a decorated holiday tree! Very clever ideas and hard work were
demonstrated in every created wreath or tree!”
Lauver concurs. “Being a judge was a lot harder than I thought it would be, with so many fun
and creative entries! Janet and I had a blast reading all the children's books and finding how they
connected to the decorations. Kudos to the volunteers for organizing such a wonderful event to
show off our beautiful library and highlight the importance of early literacy.”
The whimsical nature of the Oz tree had the judges clicking their ruby slippers. The Judges’
Choice 1st place certificate was awarded to Tree #22 Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank
Baum decorated by the Seals Den. Winning second place in the Judges’ Choice Award was Tree
#20 I Stink by Jim and Kate McMullan and decorated by Middleburg Elementary Kindergarten.
Wreath #4 Cailou Learns to Swim by Sarah Margaret Johanson also won the Judges’ Choice
award. It was decorated by the Selinsgrove Area Community Pool. Second places honors were
awarded to Mrs. McEvoy and Mrs. Varner’s Selinsgrove Intermediate School classes in the
wreath division for Father’s Dragon by Ruth Stiles Gannett.
The People’s Awards are given to the decorators of the trees and wreaths receiving the most
number of votes cast by the people coming into the library during Tree Fest. Visitors are invited
to purchase tickets and vote for their favorite. These winners will be announced at 1 pm on
Thursday, December 21. There will also be Tiny Trees available for purchase for $15. All the
proceeds of this event support the Children’s Summer Reading Programs in Snyder County.
“I highly encourage people of all ages in the Susquehanna Valley to visit the Rudy Gelnett
Library in Selinsgrove for a slice of holiday joy! Children of all ages will be inspired by the
sparkles and the twinkles of December!” invites Latchford.
 Tree Fest hosted by the Friends of Rudy Gelnett Memorial Library is deeply appreciative of
their sponsors for this popular event. Special thanks to Selinsgrove VFW Auxiliary Post 6631
and Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge 1173 in Selinsgrove.
Pamela Ross, Executive Director of the Snyder County Libraries welcomes the community to
visit the library. “We hope everyone will come to see the wonderful display of trees by people
and organizations throughout the valley. This is a fabulous fundraiser, but more importantly a
great way to get into the holiday spirit while enjoying a trip to the library!”
Library hours are Monday-Thursday from 10 am-8 pm and Friday and Saturday from 10 am- 5
pm. So, come and cast your votes! For more information, visit: www.friendsgelnettlibrary.org or
on Facebook.

Caption:

The Rudy Gelnett Memorial Library has been transformed into a Magical Wonderland of Books!

The whimsical nature of the Oz tree had the judges clicking their ruby slippers. The Judges’
Choice 1st place certificate was awarded to Tree #22 Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank
Baum decorated by the Seals Den.