It’s all aboard the “Polar Express” as the book bunch meets Thursday at 4:30 p.m. at the Effingham Branch Library in Springfield. There will be crafts and activities for children ages 5-12 centered around the book “The Polar Express” by Chris Van Allsburg.

On Dec. 27 at 4:30 p.m., the library will hold “Write Out Loud!” for ages 12-18 on how to turn stories and poems into plays.

Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at the South Effingham branch in Rincon there will be an orientation for reading to therapy dogs. If you have a certified therapy dog, you can get involved in a great new library program that promotes literacy among children. Bring your dog and your paperwork to discuss details. Call 826-2222 for more information.