Shafter Library gives books to children at Depot Museum

The Shafter Depot Museum is celebrating its annual Christmas Tree competition, running through Jan. 8 with a number of events for the community.

This past Saturday, in addition to displaying an array of trees, the museum, in partnership with the Shafter Library, were handing out free books to children. The Shafter Library is spreading the message of literacy to the city, encouraging everyone to pick up a book and read.

The theme of this year's tree competition is Merry and Bright. A number of groups, clubs and people submitted trees for the event. Among them is a tree created by the Crane family, in remembrance of Maddie Crane, who passed away this past year.

There is also a tree by the Shafter Press, who celebrated the Merry and Bright theme in black and white. The Shafter Woman's Club depicted a snowball fight, and the Shafter Rotary Club decorated a tree entitled Wings of Hope, full of bright and shiny adornments and trim.

The museum will be open on Dec. 18 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will feature a couple of events. From 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Santa will be visiting and the kids can get a picture with him. At 10:30 a.m., the Shafter Brass Band will be performing a variety of Christmas favorites.