This article was contributed by the San Benito County Free Library.

The San Benito County Free Library received a special visit from Santa Claus at the 13th annual holiday program on Dec. 5. Excited community members had the opportunity to meet and take pictures with Santa, who saw over 402 visitors that night! Attending the event has become a tradition in many community members’ families, and children’s faces lit up as they had the opportunity to meet Santa Claus.

Patrons made holiday crafts, watched holiday movies, took pictures with holiday props at the library’s new “Selfie Station” and listened to festive music while waiting for their turn to meet Santa. Serena’s Face Painting was there to paint faces and make balloon animals.

Santa gave out candy canes and apples generously donated by the Hollister School District Student Nutrition Department. Patrons also received a free book to start or add to their home libraries, as well as holiday stickers.

The San Benito County Free Library would like to thank its volunteers, the Friends of the Library, Serena’s Face Painting, the Hollister School District Nutrition Department, Bill Tiffany, and all the community members who participated for making the 13th annual holiday program such a joyous event.