Many area children came to the Secret Santa Workshop on the lower level of the Wiscasset Library Dec.10 and with the guidance of library volunteers perused and bought an array of affordable Christmas presents for their families donated by library patrons. It was the first of its kind event at the library, hopefully to become an annual tradition.

Library volunteers wrapped the presents free of charge in gay holiday paper, and the kids carried the gifts home to be placed under the Christmas tree, waiting for Dec. 25.

While the children shopped downstairs at the library's Used Book Room, which was transformed into the Secret Santa Shop, their parents went upstairs to browse the library stacks or to look at the more expensive items for sale in the foyer, including jewelry, paintings, prints, antique collectibles and ceramics. Those items that did not sell will be on sale in the foyer until Dec. 24.

The Friends of the Library worked hard to bring a unique children's shopping experience to Wiscasset. Michelle Peele, chief organizer of the event said. She added that she "loved that children were able to buy items for their loved ones, have them wrapped and will be able to surprise them. The patrons all seemed so excited. It is part of what Christmas is about."

As the children left the library along the newly built brick pathway on the lower level, they had their photos taken with Fritz, the reindeer dog, who patiently spent the morning doing the photo shoots. The photos were then emailed to their homes.

Peele said she wants "to give a special thanks to the Leighton family for helping to add to the fun of the day with lovable Fritz the reindeer dog sitting for photos with the children in the biting cold wind!"

All of the proceeds from the sale go to the library to support its maintenance efforts.