For weeks, we have felt the excitment in the air here at Peninsula Community Library.  With our shared space in an elementary school, our building has been bustling with music, artwork, parties, excited children and tired adults.  The library doors are no barrier to the festive atmosphere that prevails when you are surrounded by children. Since we are all a part of the "family" here in the school building, kids and teachers always include us in their festivities.  Our desks  are overflowing with holiday treats - homemade cookies, brightly wrapped candies, and small gifts from school and community members who came in for a hug and to say "thanks for being here."  Last week, a local vineyard owner "smuggled" in a bottle of wine made from his grapes.  "From Left Foot Charlie's, for your staff party," he told us. "Made from the best of my harvest."  A staff member who did not realize what it was or did not think about the fact that it would not be allowed in the school, set it in the middle of the circ desk absentmindedly.  It was class time in the library and children were everywhere, as well as parents for holiday parties.  No one noticed.  Except for the patron who brought it that is.  He quickly tucked it under his arm and took it back to the library office.  "No! You can't put it there," he told the startled staff member, who still probably did not realize that she had set "contraband" out for all to see. We did smuggle it back out at the end of the day to enjoy as a staff later in the week, off the school grounds, of course!  Today the kids are away on their first day of break.  Yet, it is not quiet here.  They are on the sledding hill, in the library to show off cousins, grandparents, aunts and uncles, and happily checking out books and movies to read and watch just for fun.  "Are you sad that you have to be here when the rest of us do not?" a little girl asked us today.  After pointing out to her that she was indeed here, too, we assured her that the library is a very good place to be during the holidays.  After all, in a small community such as Old Mission, we get to see everyone - year round residents and once in awhile residents as well.  The Board and Staff of Peninsula Communtiy Library wish you the Happiest of Holidays!