Happy Noon Year! 2022 arrives early at library

Dec 31, 2021

MARION _ They celebrated the new year at the stroke of 12.

Noon.

They may have been 12 hours ahead of their adult counterparts, but children at Elizabeth Tabor Library Children celebrated a new year at noontime Dec. 31 with noisemakers, construction paper hats and a countdown that began at 11:59:50.

“Noon Year’s Eve’’ returned to the library after an absence of several years due to the pandemic, children’s librarian Heather Ripley said.

“It’s a fun thing to do,’’ RIpley said. “Little kids can’t stay up late, but you still want to have a celebration for the new year.’’

Celebrating at noon brought at least one advantage: Ripley chose the computerized countdown after reviewing Times Square revelry from past years. She chose the countdown to 2000, she said, because “last year was a little depressing.’’

Jamie Morse, who counted down with her daughter, Willa DeLowery, 4,  said she appreciated the early celebration. “I like how it gives the effect without having to stay up to midnight,’’ she said with a laugh.

Keriann Sylvia is new to town and the library and looks forward to interacting with the community. 

She brought her daughter, Nina Sylvia, 6, who gave the event two thumbs up, literally. 

Nina shared a new year’s resolution many people can relate to. “I want to spend time with friends,’’ she said.

Zoe Callina, 6, said she hopes to see her “mimi,’’ her grandmother, in the new year, a goal that seems well within reach, her mother Kristina Callina said, since they will be visiting her on New Year’s Day.

Kristina said the event was a good one for Zoe to experience.

“It’s a fun way to let her know what’s going on and what the new year is all about,’’ she said.