What's Happening in Lebanon, OH…

Lebanon residents of all ages are invited to take a magical train ride soon, courtesy of the Lebanon Public Library.

The library’s Story Time Room will be the setting for a reading of “The Polar Express,” the best-selling fantasy by Chris Van Allsburg that was made into a popular film of the same name. The room will be transformed into the Polar Express itself, and as they listen to the story, children will have a chance to take part in the same adventures as the children in the book. Every child who climbs on board the train will be able to eat cookies, drink hot chocolate, and tell Santa which items are on their Christmas list. As a highlight, each guest will also be given one gift from beneath the Christmas tree.

The story follows the adventures of a young boy who is listening for the sound of Santa’s sleigh bells, only to hear a steam engine hissing and clanking up his street. He asks the conductor where the train is going, and the conductor gives the classic answer, “Why, to the North Pole, of course!” The book has sold millions of copies worldwide, and is a winner of the Caldecott Medal.

The event is open to people of all ages, though children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Pajamas are acceptable attire for the evening.

The event takes place from 6:30 pm until 7:30 pm on December 19. Poster printing can be used to help publicize events like this.