As 2020 comes to an end people across the peninsula are adapting their holiday celebrations to the COVID-19 pandemic. Drive-thru events, online crafts and virtual story times are among the family-fun activities being offered this month.

When it comes to family-fun activities, the Kenai Community Library knows what’s up. Throughout the pandemic, the library has strived to adapt to a new normal as seamlessly as possible.

On Nov. 14, the City of Kenai announced that the library, among other city buildings, would be closed to the public in response to surging COVID-19 across the peninsula, with curbside pickup and reference services available. The Kenai Community Library adapted. In a style similar to that of a restaurant drive-thru, library patrons are able to pull up to a window on the library’s southeast side and call in for their pickup.

The library has used this service to also distribute activities and crafts such as their DIY Sock Snowman and Scrap Fabric Tree Ornament kits. But take-home activities are only one of the ways library staff is working to keep the community engaged.

Children’s Librarian James Adcox said Friday that throughout the pandemic the library has become a good central distribution center for everything from books, to crafts, to American Girl Dolls, to activity kits to board games. The library even has their own Zoom account that they are able to let patrons use who need more use than the program’s free account allows.

Additionally, the library regularly produces digital programs that families can view and interact with from home, such as DIY craft tutorials, virtual Lego Club Challenges and live story time sessions. Tucked around the corner from the library’s main entrance is a large room outfitted with equipment such as a green screen, a tripod and puppets.

Adcox said that their equipment and production value has gone up throughout the pandemic, as they’ve learned new ways to reach library patrons. Kenai Community Library Program Coordinator Elizabeth Kleweno said she is thankful to see the positive impact their work is having on the community. Kleweno said they gave out 160 Thanksgiving crafts in November and receive steady viewership on their Facebook videos.

In addition to all of their programming, patrons are able to browse the library remotely and to check out e-materials from home. These include educational resources such as software tutorials and practice admissions tests for exams such as the SAT, LSAT and MCAT, among others.

Coming to the library next week are a virtual Ugly Sweater Contest, DIY gift bow kits, “Dessert’s on us!” cake-in-a-mug kits, Mrs. Claus Story Time and step-by-step drawing classes. All virtual programming can be viewed on the library’s Facebook page as well as on their YouTube channel.

Other COVID-friendly holiday activities being offered across the peninsula throughout December include:

Dec. 11-20

Socially distant photos with Santa Claus are being offered at the Peninsula Center Mall every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 4-6 p.m. through Dec. 20. Photos are free and a bench will be placed next to Santa so families can maintain social distancing.

Dec. 16-20

Bear Creek’s Garden of Lights will be along Bear Creek Drive loop in Homer this year instead of the gardens. The first night of the drive-thru event will be on Dec. 16 with viewings offered through Dec. 20. The event will be free.

Dec. 18

The Soldotna Chamber of commerce’s Soldotna Shines celebration will take place on Dec. 18 in the parking lot of the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. The drive-in community gathering will kick off at 6 p.m. with a holiday singalong on KKIS 96.5 FM.

Santa Claus will drive through the gathering on a CES fire truck at 6:45 p.m. and fireworks synced to holiday music will begin at 7 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from the Soldotna Ball Fields.

Dec. 20

Celebrate the winter solstice while being socially distant! The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services is holding a statewide “Bring Back the Light 2020” event to celebrate the return of the sun and to honor Alaskan resilience throughout the pandemic.

On Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m., DHSS is encouraging Alaskans to step outside and light a candle, turn on lights, use flashlights or headlamps or light lanterns to bring back some light.

“During this pandemic, Alaskans have shown considerable strength to adapt and take care of themselves and each other,” the event description says. “During Bring Back the Light 2020, Alaskans will come together to show support and gratitude for one another and our communities, take pride in our resiliency and look forward to brighter days ahead.”

People participating in the even are encouraged to share photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #WithYouAlaska.

More information about the event, as well as DIY ice luminary instructions can be found on DHSS’ website.

Reach reporter Ashlyn O’Hara at ashlyn.ohara@peninsulaclarion.com.