Staff photo by Clay Schuldt Youth Service Librarian Kathyrn Tatnall reads from ““Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution” by Pat Miller as part of the virtual Noon Year’s celebration.

By Clay Schuldt

Staff Writer

NEW ULM — Area youth were able to ring in the new year will a special streaming event hosted by the New Ulm Public Library.

Youth Service Librarian Kathryn Tatnall hosted a virtual “Noon Year’s Eve” celebration. The event was geared toward the younger kids who are too young to stay up until midnight.

“I know tonight I won’t be awake to celebrate at midnight,” Tatnall said.

As part of the celebration, Tatnall sang songs and read New Year themed stories including “Squirrel’s New Year’s Resolution” by Pat Miller to teach kids about the custom of setting goals in the new year. She also read selections of “Happy New Year, Everywhere” by Arlene Erlbach. The book talked about New Year’s traditions around the globe. Some countries celebrate the new year very differently. Some celebrate it at different times of the year.

The Scotland section of the book included some of the histories of the classic New Year’s song, “Auld Lang Syne”.

This year many people, including children, were looking forward to a new year. Tatnall said 2020 had not been the best year for many people. It was a year full of disappointments. The library had not been able to do as many programs. Tatnall remained optimistic that things would improve in 2021.

The entire Noon Year’s Eve video is available on the New Ulm Public Library Facebook page and YouTube.