Your December guide to events at the Community Libraries of Providence

Free programs across nine library branches bring holiday fun, hands-on crafts and thoughtful conversations — including a gingerbread house build-off, winter workshops and discussions on menopause and media

The Community Libraries of Providence roll out a packed month of free events — from festive bazaars and wreath-making to radio-drama nights and women’s health discussions.
The Community Libraries of Providence roll out a packed month of free events — from festive bazaars and wreath-making to radio-drama nights and women’s health discussions.
Mareva Lindo/ Ocean State Media
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The Community Libraries of Providence roll out a packed month of free events — from festive bazaars and wreath-making to radio-drama nights and women’s health discussions.
The Community Libraries of Providence roll out a packed month of free events — from festive bazaars and wreath-making to radio-drama nights and women’s health discussions.
Mareva Lindo/ Ocean State Media
Your December guide to events at the Community Libraries of Providence
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The Community Libraries of Providence offer a slew of free programming every week for kids and adults at their nine locations around the city. We highlight a few of these events in our monthly community libraries segment – from a gingerbread house build-off, to candle-making, to a conversation about menopause.

Holiday happenings

Smith Hill Holiday Bazaar at Smith Hill Library, Dec. 10, 4-7 p.m.

Santa will be stopping by the library with a gift for every child! And guests are encouraged to take what they need from the Community Libraries’ “Keep Our Families Warm” campaign – including free coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and other warm clothing. There will also be raffles and a craft project for kids.

The Great Gingerbread House Build-Off at Knight Memorial Library, Dec. 22, 3-4 p.m.

Work individually or with a team to showcase your gingerbread house-building talents! Houses will be judged on their creativity, craftsmanship, and holiday spirit. Recommended for teens and children 5 and older. Registration required.

Wintry crafts

Two opportunities to make your own candles, Dec. 16

  • At the Washington Park Library, 3-5 p.m.: Learn candle-making from Kelly of Coastline Candles in Edgewood, who will demonstrate how to create your own fragrance blend with essential and fragrance oils.
  • At the South Providence Library, 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Learn how to roll your own beeswax candle.

Wreath Making at Washington Park Library, Dec. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Create a nature wreath with sustainable materials while learning how trees can make communities more resilient.

Plus: Listen and learn.

Lord of the Rings Radio Hour at Mt. Pleasant Library, Dec. 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Buckle in and listen to all 13 chapters of the 1981 BBC radio production of Tolkien’s epic “The Lord of the Rings” on audio cassette tape! December 8 is the first of the thirteen weekly listening events.

What Your Mom Never Told You: A Conversation About Menopause at Rochambeau Library, Dec. 9, 6-7:30 p.m.

Nurse practitioner Nancy Roy leads an open conversation about women’s experiences with perimenopause and menopause. She’ll also address confusion and misinformation on the topic, share options, and address questions and concerns.

You can find more information about events at the Community Libraries of Providence at clpvd.org.

Free programs across nine library branches bring holiday fun, hands-on crafts and thoughtful conversations — including a gingerbread house build-off, winter workshops and discussions on menopause and media
This cabbage roll soup has all the comforting flavors of traditional cabbage rolls — tender cabbage, hearty turkey, warm spices, and rich tomato broth — but without the fuss. It’s a one-pot, simmer-until-cozy kind of meal that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
This sweet potato casserole is classic comfort made wonderfully simple. With pantry staples and just a few minutes of prep, you’ll have a creamy, cinnamon-spiced dish that bakes up beautifully and fills the kitchen with the smell of maple and vanilla. A guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Meet the quesadilla you didn’t know you needed: turkey, cheese, and bright cranberries folded into a warm tortilla and cooked until perfectly crisp. It’s a cozy, kid-friendly recipe that feels both comforting and unexpected.
Meet your new brunch hero: a sweet-and-savory plantain breakfast hash topped with fresh chimichurri. It’s easy to make, packed with bold flavor, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping a few breakfasts ahead of time.
If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and easy to make, these sweet potato empanadas check every box. A cheesy yam dough wrapped around a spiced black-bean filling? Yes, please. They fry up beautifully in just a few minutes and disappear even faster.