The Birmingham Public Library And Libby Save Christmas With 3,000 New Magazine Crafts And Recipes

When I was a little kid, one of my favorite things in the world was when my Highlights Magazine came every month. It was filled with stories and puzzles and the ever-entertaining Goofus and Gallant. But the thing that always interested me the most was the craft. I loved making the monthly craft. 

One year, about third grade or so, the December issue craft was how to make a tabletop Christmas tree out of a magazine. Let me tell you—that was right up my alley. How could you go wrong combining crafting and Christmas?

Well, I made the most beautiful tabletop Christmas tree the world had ever seen, and my mother proudly displayed it on the coffee table every year for about 30 years before it finally fell apart from old age. 

Now that I look like an adult, I don't do as much crafting as I used to, but I do love to decorate for the holidays. I also love to cook. I'm always looking for new ideas for both, especially from Halloween to Christmas.

This year, right in time to save us from the panic of what to do for the holidays, Libby has added 3,000 magazines to is online database that can be borrowed for free with your Birmingham Public Library card. Combine that with a variety of Christmas themed books available at your local branch, you can have all the decorating, entertaining, and dinner ideas you will ever need to make it through the new year. 

Southern Living is a staple in Birmingham, and they really shine at Christmas decorating and cooking. Some titles available from them at your local branch include, Christmas All Through the South, Christmas with Southern Living, and Christmas at Home. Through Libby, you can find Southern Living Best Recipes, Southern Living Christmas Baking, and Southern Living Christmas at Home.

Martha Stewart is the reigning queen of hospitality and entertainment. Be sure to check out her books available at the Birmingham Public Library, including Christmas with Martha Stewart Living, Classic Crafts and Recipes for the Holidays, and Classic Crafts and Recipes Inspired by the Songs of Christmas. I promise you—it's a good thing. 

Along with their Christmas special issue magazine available on Libby, Better Homes and Gardens has several holiday books filled with ideas for the season. Examples available at the library are Best of Christmas Ideas, Christmas Ornaments to Make, and Christmas all Through the House.

Scroll through the magazine selection available on Libby and check out the following magazines that all have Christmas issues ready to be checked out: HGTV Magazine, Cooks Illustrated, Taste of Home, The Pioneer Woman, Woman's Day, Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Taste of the South Christmas Cookbook, Southern Lady, Bon Appétite, and Food Network Magazine. 

Here's to hoping all your holiday festivities are filled with friends, family, food, and good times. 

By J. Michael Coe | Library Assistant Ⅲ, North Birmingham Regional Branch and Inglenook Branch Libraries