Community Interest

The Moore County Historical Association presents Annie Oakley Boom Days, on Friday, Dec. 4, and Saturday, Dec. 5. Annie Oakley Boom Days is a celebration of the history of shooting sports in the Sandhills with a tribute to Annie Oakley, the manager of the historic Pinehurst Gun Club from 1915 to 1924. Charity auction at Saturday's game dinner to include a display of memorabilia on Annie Oakley and the historic Pinehurst Gun Club.

Free Sharpshooting Exhibition by Tom Knapp, Saturday, Dec. 5, at the driving range on Pinehurst No. 8, site of the old Pinehurst Gun Club. See Knapp perform and meet three medal-winning members of the USA Shooting Team at 3 p.m. Bring a lawn chair and watch today's best trick shooter at Annie Oakley Boom Days. (910) 687-0377, www.Annie OakleyBoomDays.com.

Tufts Archives and Given Memorial Library present Heritage Highlights and Literary Lessons, a series of events that will engage the community in historic and literary activities. Winter Sleigh-Ride on Lake Pinehurst (Dec. 17), Pinalia Holly Winter Dinner (Jan. 22), Wine of the Time (Feb. 11), Hats & Afternoon Tea in the Village (March 27), Cake & Croquet (April 17), Given on the Green (May 15), Historic No. 2 (June 18) and Midnight Golf (July 16). Tickets, Given Memorial Library or (910) 295-6086, www.tufts archives.org.

Storytelling Arts Center of the Southeast announces its kick-off 2010 signature programming event, Annual Bold-Faced Liars' Show-down, that will take place on Saturday, Jan. 23. The showdown begins with an afternoon competition from 2-5 p.m., followed by an evening performance by North Carolina storyteller/songwriter Michael Reno Harrell at 7 p.m. Ticket prices range from $6-$15. No additional fee to enter the competition. (910) 291-0929, www.story artscenter.org.

2010 Penick Village 5th Annual Art Show & Sale Friday, Feb. 26, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Preview Party. Admission includes valet parking, cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and a silent auction. Saturday, Feb. 27, and Sunday, Feb. 28, Art Show & Sale, free. Proceeds to benefit the Penick Village Benevolent Assistance Fund, which provides assistance to residents in financial need. All are invited. (910) 692-0381, www.penick villagefoundation.org.

The Southern Pines Welcome Center, located at the restored passenger train depot, is open Thursday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The center contains cultural items, photos and tourist information. Get a jump on gift purchases by browsing among the many items for sale, from quality throws with familiar icons from the town's more than 120-year history to gift cards. Welcome to Southern Pines Inc., a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization of local residents, is raising money to maintain the museum and to fund expansion into a state-of-the-art interactive museum for the public. Donations accepted.

Visit and tour the Shaw House properties, three historic houses built between the 1770s and 1820s. Located at the corner of Morganton Road and SW Broad Street in Southern Pines. Gift shop offers books and photo prints of local interest. Free admission. Hours are 1-4 p.m. Tuesday-Friday. (910) 692-2051, www.moorehistory.com.

Holiday Happenings

Pinehurst Resort announces holiday happenings. A Carolina Christmas: Through Christmas enjoy a self-guided tour of the annual gingerbread display, 25 Christmas trees and holiday displays at the Carolina Hotel. Free and open to the public. "Here's to the Good Life" theater production, Cardinal Ballroom, Friday, Nov. 27, 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 28, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. (910) 235-8415.

Southern Pines Tree-Lighting Ceremony, 4:30 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 29. Visit the town Welcome Center in the restored train station for cake and hot apple cider, 2:30- 4:30 p.m.

Holiday Tea & Etiquette talk at Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour, 25 Chinquapin Road in the village of Pinehurst, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m., presented by Helen O. Von Salzen. www.ladybedfords.com, (910) 255-0100.

Given Memorial Library presents Glenn Davis, a popular local performer, who will be singing Christmas carols on Thursday, Dec. 3, 3:30 p.m. Singing, festive fellowship, eating cookies and drinking wassail -- a good event for kicking off the Christmas season. Free and open to the public.

Weymouth Christmas House Tour, Christmas in the Pines, Thursday-Saturday, Dec. 3-5, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Advance tickets, $10, at the door, $12. Carols, Thursday, Dec. 3, 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Music, readings, cookie and punch reception. Free. Candlelight Tour, Friday, Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m with tour, wine, cheese and dessert tables. Tickets $25. Reservations required. Children's Tour, Saturday, Dec. 5, 8:30-10 a.m., with Santa and his elf and treats for the children. $3 for parents and children over 3 years. (910) 692-6261.

Supper With Santa, at Aberdeen Parks and Recreation Department. Spaghetti dinner provided by Jordan's Catering on Friday, Dec. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. Holiday crafts and the reading of "Twas the Night Before Christmas." Each child will visit and have an opportunity to get their picture taken with Santa and receive a holiday treat. Tickets are limited. $8 residents; $10 non-residents; $5 kids (3 and under). Ryan Gordon, rgordon@townofaberdeen.net, (910) 944-PARK.

13th Annual Christmas on the Square will be held on Saturday, Dec. 5, downtown Rockingham, with entertainment, crafts and food from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Santa will be on the Square all day.

Moore County Choral Society will perform its holiday concert, "Sing for Joy," on Saturday, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 6, 4 p.m. in Owens Auditorium at Sandhills Community College. Tickets are $15 for adults and $7.50 for students/children and are available at the Campbell House, The Country Bookshop, Kirk Tours (Pinehurst), the Coffee Scene (Seven Lakes) and at the door. (910) 295-3971.

Get in the Christmas spirit by visiting the annual Yule open houses sponsored by the Moore County Historical Association, whose volunteers will decorate two historic homes and provide demonstrations of domestic activities at two free open houses, both 1-4 p.m., Dec. 5 and 6 at the Bryant House between Carthage and West End, and at the Shaw House in Southern Pines, Dec. 11, 12 and 13. Brief tours with refreshments. The Shaw House is at the corner of Morganton Road and Broad Street. (910) 692-2051.

Moore Philharmonic Orchestra's winter concert and silent auction at Carolina Hotel at Pinehurst Resort, located at 80 Carolina Vista Dr., Pinehurst, on Sunday, Dec. 20, 3 p.m. Proceeds from the silent auction will support a scholarship fund benefiting Moore County music students and will help cover operating and general expenses for the orchestra. No tickets required, but tax-deductible donations are welcome. www.mporchestra.com.

Kids

Youth Night at Aberdeen Recreation Station for children (ages 6-12) on Friday, Jan. 8, 6-9 p.m., $10 residents; $18 non-residents. Pizza, activities/games, crafts and age-appropriate movie. Ryan Gordon, rgordon@townofaberdeen.net, (910) 944-PARK.

SkateMoore Skate Park at the Aberdeen Sports Complex on N.C. 211 East, 9750 Aberdeen Road, is open 4-9 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays; 4-10 p.m., Fridays; 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturdays; 1-6 p.m., Sundays. Skateboarding, roller skating, roller blading, exercise room for adults, concession stand, inflatables, video games. Monthly flea market, 8 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 5, and noon, Sunday, Dec. 6. (910) 944-4745, www.skatersformoore. org.

Taylor Dance has ongoing registration for ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop for ages 3-18. Playhouse Jr. has ongoing registration for theater arts classes. (910) 295-1320.

Moore County Library has storytime for preschoolers on Mondays at 10:30 a.m. (910) 947-5535.

Vass Library, Seaboard Street, has storytime at 10:30 a.m. every third Thursday of the month.

Joy Art Studio offers ongoing art classes for ages 5-17. Make ornaments for the Festival of Trees and help raise money for the Sandhills Children's Center. Joy, (910) 695-7055, joyof_art@msn.com.

Carolina Performing Arts Center , located at 670 SW Broad St., Southern Pines (next to Beefeaters), accepts new students all year. (910) 695-7898, e-mail danceatcpac@yahoo.com, www. cpacsandhills.org.

Dance

Dance With Us! 4,700-square-foot floor, great music and free lessons, Dec. 4 and 18. ballroomdancersofthesandhills@gmail.com, (910) 246-3320. All welcome.

Carolina Performing Arts Center , located at 670 SW Broad St., Southern Pines (next to Beefeaters), accepts new students all year long. Classes for dancers of all levels, age 3 to adult: ballet, tap, jazz, character and lyrical. Classes for toddlers and mommies, clogging, hip-hop and pilates. (910) 695-7898, e-mail danceatcpac@yahoo.com, www. cpacsandhills.org.

Ballroom dance lessons (cued), waltz, foxtrot, swing, rhumba and cha-cha, are taught by Penny Lewis at the Old West End Gym on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. Experienced round dancers are invited to attend dances at 7:30 p.m. on Mondays. (910) 295-2590 or (910) 673-1623.

Dance lessons Tuesdays, shag with Bud and Nanci: 6:30 p.m. Level I, 7:30 p.m. Level II, 8:30 p.m. Level III. Wednesdays and Thursdays, line dance with Bud and Nanci: 6:30-7:30 p.m. ($10 or four lessons for $30). Wednesdays and Thursdays, shag with Bud and Nanci: 7:30 p.m. Level I, 8:30 p.m. Level II. Lessons held at 1832 N.C. 5. (910) 690-9176.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio private and group classes (age 7-adult), Monday-Saturday, 2-10 p.m. Instructors are nationally certified. Friday night dance parties, 8-9:30 p.m. Open to the public. (910) 295-1106 or (910) 585-2572.

Pinehurst Ballroom Dance Studio offers professionally taught social ballroom dance lessons. Private or group lessons are taught for couples or singles. Specialization in weddings, debutante balls, proms and cruise lessons. (910) 295-3003, www.pinehurstballroomdance.com.

Sophisticated Ladies Dance Troupe (seniors 55 years and over) will interview prospective members willing to make a commitment to weekly rehearsals on Mondays and Thursdays. Dance experience is helpful but not required. Jo Ann, (910) 295-8051 or (910) 295-2590.

A's Square Dance Club is an advanced level club. Dances are on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month at 6 p.m. in the Old West End Gym. The caller is Jimmy Roberson. Leo and Ruth Ellen Ganster, (910) 295-5786.

Stardust Dinner Dance Club has dinner and ballroom-style dancing almost every fourth Thursday of the month at Whispering Pines Country Club. Anyone may come as a guest for one dance for the cost of dinner. Kadie, (910) 295-1916.

Yellow Rockers Square Dance Club meets every Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. at the Old West End Gym. Open House, first Thursday of every month, 7-8 p.m., Senior Enrichment Center. Jan, (910) 215-9313, or Karen, (910) 949-2001.

Music/Concerts

Pinecrest Winter Choral Concert, Pinecrest High School, Robert E. Lee Auditorium, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Tickets available at the door, $6, adults; $4, students.

Open mic at Flynne's Coffee Bar every first Saturday of the month, Dec. 5, 6:30-9 p.m., 115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines. (910) 693-1999.

New Horizons Band in the Pines meets Tuesdays, 3:30-5:30 p.m. at the Senior Enrichment Center. Seniors who want to play in a band are welcome. $50 per nine-week session. (910) 215-0900.

Moore County Concert Band is looking for new members. Rehearsals, Mondays (September-June), Sandhills Community College, 6:30 p.m. The band performs six concerts a year. If you play or have ever played an instrument and would like to play challenging music, join MCCB. (910) 295-9023, www.moorecountyband.com.

Local chapter of Sweet Adelines International, Sandhills Harmony Chorus welcomes new members. The women's chorus sings a cappella four-part harmonies, barbershop style. Rehearsals, 7-9 p.m. Mondays, Brownson Memorial Presbyterian Church. Carole Amlot, (910) 944-1458.

Theater

Area Movie Theaters

Call listed venue hotlines for the most up-to-date information.

Sandhills Cinema: (910) 695-1100.

SunFlix at the Sunrise Theater, 250 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, (910) 692-3611. Movie times: 7:30 p.m. evenings and 2:30 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

The Diaries of Adam & Eve , a comedy by David Birney, adapted from the works of Mark Twain, Dec. 31 through Jan. 10, Richmond Community Theatre, On the Square, 111 E. Washington St., Rocking-ham, (910) 997-3768. Audition dates: Nov. 10-11, 6:30-9 p.m.

Entertainment

Venues may charge admission or a cover or may change schedules for some events. Call for details.

Aberdeen Caf, 111 N. Sycamore St., Aberdeen, has live music every Friday and Saturday night from 5-8 p.m. Call for open mic info. (910) 757-0203.

Bingo at the "V," 7-9:30 p.m. every Thursday at VFW Post 7318, 615 S. Page St., Southern Pines. Snack bar available. (910) 692-3772.

Darling House, 40 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst, hosts live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 7:30-11:30 p.m. (910) 295-3193.

Davis Community Center, Robbins, hosts bluegrass music on the third Friday of each month.

Deep River Coffee, located on Main Street, Robbins, hosts live music every Thursday night from 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Dog Nation Grill hosts live music every Friday, 301 Poplar St., Aberdeen, and 207 S. McNeil St., Carthage.

Dugan's Pub, No. 2 Market Square, Pinehurst. Monday night football with free hot dogs. Tuesdays and Thursdays, karaoke. Wednesdays, live Irish Music 6:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, live band at 9 p.m. Ladies' night on Saturdays. (910) 295-3400.

Elliott's Gourmet Marketplace, 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, provides workshops and wine seminars in the cooking school and a special series of lunches and dinners. Free wine tastings Saturdays, noon-4 p.m. (910) 295-3663.

Flynne's Coffee Bar, 115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, offers specialty coffee drinks, hot and iced teas, chai tea, specialty hot chocolate, Italian sodas and baked goods. Open mic every first Saturday of the month, 6:30-9 p.m. (910) 693-1999.

Italian Table Restaurant presents live entertainment nightly, 136 Grant St., Seven Lakes. Reserva-tions, (910) 673-4725.

JFR Barn holds wine dinners each month. Reservations, (910) 692-7700, www.jfrbarn.com.

Maness Pottery and Music Barn features bluegrass, country and gospel pickin' and singing, 6 p.m. Tuesday nights. Six miles west of Carthage on N.C. 24/27. (910) 948-4897.

May Street Market, 1010 N. May St., Southern Pines, hosts live music every Friday night from 7-10 p.m. No cover. Reservations, (910) 692-4110.

Moore Coffee Company, 201 S. McNeil St., Carthage, presents live music every Friday and Saturday night, 8-11 p.m. All musicians are welcome to bring instruments and join in the fun of this musician sit-in. No charge. (910) 947-6122.

Mister P's is located at 155 Hall Ave., Southern Pines. Dinner served at 4 p.m., Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and noon on Saturdays and Sundays. Live entertainment. The Soulmaster will perform at 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 27. (910) 692-3700.

Neville's is open 3 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday-Saturday. (910) 692-1939, www. nevillesclub.com.

O'Donnell's, of downtown Southern Pines, hosts weekend live entertainment and features Wednesday night guest bartenders with tips going to charity. (910) 695-1915.

Potter's Cafe, 201 South St., Aberdeen, features live music every Saturday night. (910) 944-1250.

The Rooster's Wife, 204 E. South St., Aberdeen, www.theroosterswife. org, (910) 944-7502. Rebecca and the Hi-Tones will perform on Saturday, Nov. 28, 8 p.m., Girlyman, Dec. 5, 8 p.m., Al Petteway and Amy White, Dec. 11, 8 p.m., Redbird Round, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., and Merry, Merry with Martha Bassett, Dec. 17, 6 p.m., all at the gallery of Poplar Knight Spot, 114 Knight St., Aberdeen.

Sandhills Bowling Center, 2239 N. Pinehurst St., Aberdeen. (910) 295-9610.

Sandhills Classic Street Rod Association will host a "cruise-in" on the first and the third Fridays of the month from 5-8 p.m. in the parking lot at Al's Diner, Aberdeen. No charge.

Table on the Green, 2205 Midland Road, Midland Country Club, hosts Dick McCollum's Mellow Jazz Trio every second and fourth Wednesday of the month. Reservations, (910) 295-4118.

The Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, 241 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, is open until 10 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday. www.thewine cellarandtastingroom.com, (910) 692-3066.

Galleries

About Art Gallery at the Market Place, located in the Market Place Restaurant Building, 2160 Midland Road, Pinehurst, features local artists Joan Williams, Deane Billings, Jeanette Sheehan, Mike D'Andrea, Janet Burdick, Nancy Yanchus and Cele Bryant. Holiday Open House, 11a.m.-2 p.m., Monday-Friday, Dec. 1-23, features small works, miniatures and Art of the Month Calendars for 2010. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. (910) 215-5963.

Appalachian Physical Therapy is located in Olmsted Village. Beth Roy's oil paintings and the woodturning of Dale Clemens will be displayed through January. Meet the Artist and holiday celebration, Friday Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. (910) 215-0541.

Art & Furnishings, located at 20 Parker Lane, Pinehurst, features the work of three well-known local artists, Betty DiBartolomeo, Harry Neely and Kim Sobat. Open Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. (910) 295-6590.

Artist Alley, a collection of juried art and fine crafts from local and regional artists, is located at 167 E. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Saturday. A First Friday opening is held each month. Jean Skipper, (910) 692-6077.

Artists League of the Sandhills is located at 129 Exchange St., Aberdeen. The 15th Annual Exhibit and Sale of members' artwork continues through Dec. 18. Gallery hours are noon-3 p.m., Monday-Saturday. Classes and workshops offered. (910) 944-3979, www.artist league.org.

Broadhurst Gallery, located at 2212 Midland Road, Pinehurst, showcases works by nationally recognized artists. Hours are Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m, and Saturday, 1-4 p.m. (910) 295-4817.

The Campbell House Galleries, 482 E. Connecticut Ave., Southern Pines, presents "Landscapes and Wildlife," featuring artwork by Ulli Misegades. This exhibit runs through Dec. 18. Gallery is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and every third Saturday of the month from 2-4 p.m. The gallery will be closed Nov. 26 and 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. (910) 692-4356, www.artscouncil-moore.org.

Chatham Arts Gallery exhibits more than 90 Chatham County artists, Wednesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. First Sunday, noon-5 p.m. (919) 542-4144, www. chathamarts.org.

The Downtown Gallery, located inside Flynne's Coffee Bar, 115 NE Broad St., Southern Pines, features affordable local and regional art, pottery and other handmade items. Currently exhibiting Painting the Town Art Show. (910) 693-1999.

Fusions Art and Fine Craft Gallery, 52 Hillsboro St., Pittsboro, is featuring glass works by Leslie Fesperman. The gallery is open Wednesday-Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and noon-4 p.m. every first Sunday of the month. (910) 260-9725.

Gemma Gallery, 48 Chinquapin Road, Pinehurst, hosts a showing of new designs to celebrate its 15 years in business. (910) 295-3010.

Hastings Gallery is located in the Katharine L. Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College. Now exhibiting, Dr. Dawson Carr, former Sandhills Community College professor, and his daughter, Rebecca Carr-Schrodt, through December. Gallery hours: 7:45 a.m-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday. Free.

Hollyhocks Art Gallery, located at the shops of Pinehurst Place, 905 Linden Road, Pinehurst, reopens after renovations, joining artists Jane Casnellie, Diane Kraudelt and Irene McFarland, and new artists Beth Roy, Susan Edquist and Karen Meredith. Open daily at 10:30 a.m. and evenings. (910) 255-0665, www.HollyhocksArtGal lery.com.

Jewels of Pinehurst, located at 7 Market Square, Pinehurst, is a gallery of contemporary jewelry handmade in platinum and gold. Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (910) 295-7055.

Joy Art Studio works with Artist's Way, Discover Your Muse and Life Drawing for adults. (910) 528-7283, e-mail joyof_art @msn.com.

Lady Bedford's Tea Parlour, located at 25 Chinquapin Road in the village of Pinehurst, features artist Phyllis Arnold, who paints original oils and limited edition prints. Upcoming series of Tuesday Tea Talks begins Dec. 1, 2:30 p.m., with "Holiday Tea & Etiquette," presented by Helen O. Von Salzen. Tuesday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. (910) 255-0100, www.ladybed fords.com.

Old Sport & Gallery is located in Harvard Building on Market Square in the village of Pinehurst. Tom Stewart, (910) 295-9775.

Plan B Furniture, located at 105 E. South St., Aberdeen, is featuring the work of local artist Doug Rowe. More than 50 original pencil drawings and oil paintings will be on display. www.douglasrowegallery.com.

Seagrove Candle Company Store, 116 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, showcases the arts and crafts of the Sandhills and Seagrove region, including King's Pottery, Crystal King's Pottery and Williams Pottery. Open 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday and Wednesday-Saturday. (910) 695-0029.

Studio 590 Fine Arts Gallery, located off N.C. 5 in the historic 1815 Dowd Cabin in Pinehurst, is the working studio and gallery of artists Betty DiBartolomeo and Harry Neely. Studio is open Monday-Wednesday, by chance, Thursday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and by appointment. (910) 639-9404.

Sundance Studio, 107 W. New Hampshire Ave., Southern Pines. Studio/gallery of contemporary and abstract art. Expressive Arts Therapy workshops for adolescents and adults facilitated by Margie Graves, LCSW, LCAS, with Certificate in Expressive Arts Therapy. (910) 315-2746. Studio/gallery hours by appointment or chance.

SWANK Coffee Shop, 232 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, supports local artists and crafters by offering local handmade items as well as serving locally roasted gourmet coffee beans.

White Hill Gallery, 407 U.S. 15/501, Carthage, offers a variety of pottery. Sandra Layne, proprietor. (910) 947-6100.

Literary

The Country Bookshop, 140 NW Broad St., Southern Pines, hosts a Meet the Author series. (910) 692-3211, www.thecountrybookshop. biz.

Library Programs

Card Catalog: The card catalog for the county library is available online at www.srlslibraries.com.

Given Memorial Library is located in Pinehurst, (910) 295-6022. The Given Book Shop at Olmsted Village is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Saturday. All proceeds go to the library archives.

Katharine L. Boyd Library at Sandhills Community College is open 7:45 a.m.-9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 7:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday; and 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, (910) 695-3819, www.sandhills. edu.

Moore County Library is located at 101 Saunders St., Carthage. (910) 947-5335.

Page Memorial Library, located in Aberdeen at 101 S. Poplar St., is open Monday-Friday, 2-6 p.m. (910) 944-1200.

Pinebluff Library, located at 305 E. Baltimore and Currant, is open from 2-6 p.m. Monday-Friday and on the second Saturday of each month from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (910) 281-3004.

Southern Pines Public Library at 170 W. Connecticut Ave. is open Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, 2-5 p.m. Catalog and library info, www.sppl.net, (910) 692-8235. Parents and caregivers can help children learn important pre-reading skills by attending the Every Child Ready to Read workshop, Saturday, Nov. 21, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Preschool Storytime for infants and toddlers (ages birth through 5 years) will be held on Dec. 2 and 9, 3:30-4 p.m. Children Pre-K-grade 2 are invited to wear their jammies and bring their favorite stuffed animals to the library's annual holiday program, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. Celebrate the season with stories, crafts, songs and a special visit from Jingle Bell the Holiday Elf. Ugly Holiday Sweater Party (for high school students), Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6-7 p.m. Enjoy free pizza while making mini gingerbread houses and playing reindeer games. The library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Nov. 26 and 27 and will reopen on Saturday, Nov. 28, and for Christmas on Dec. 24-26 and will reopen on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2-5 p.m. For New Year's, the library will close at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 31, and reopen on Saturday, Jan. 2.

Robbins Area Library, located at 161 E. Magnolia, is open Tuesday- Saturday with evening hours on Tuesday. (910) 948-4000.

Vass Library, at 128 Seaboard St., is open Tuesday, 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; and Saturday, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (910) 245-2200.

Nature

Weymouth Woods Sandhills Nature Preserve, (910) 692-2167, Weymouth.woods@ncdenr. gov.

Sandhills Horticultural Gardens on the campus of Sandhills Community College. Designed and maintained by students in the landscape gardening program, the site contains 14 themed gardens. Open dawn to dusk every day.

The Sandhills Natural History Society meets the fourth Monday of the month at Weymouth Woods Auditorium and sponsors a variety of field trips focusing on birds, butterflies, wildflowers and other aspects of Sandhills nature. (910) 692-2167, www.sandhillsnature. org.

Tours

ARTours Join the Arts Council of Moore County and experience the art of travel. Reservations, (910) 692-4356, www.artscouncil-moore. org.

Johnny Mathis, Feb. 26, Meymandi Concert Hall, Raleigh.

"Carmen," March 14, Belk Theatre, Charlotte.

"Wicked," April 22. Durham Performing Arts Center.

Elaine Oliver Tours, 714 Richmond Rd., Rockingham, (910) 895-9477.

Christmas in New York, Dec. 2-6.

Kirk Tours offers a variety of tours. Reservations, (910) 295-2257, ext., 21, e-mail reservations@kirktours. com, www.kirktours.com.

"Camelot," Saturday, Dec. 5, UNC-Pembroke Givens Auditorium.

Myrtle Beach Christmas, Dec. 7-8.

Carolina Opry Christmas Show, Dec. 11, Myrtle Beach, S.C.

Christmas with Emile Pandolfi, Friday, Dec. 11, UNC-Pembroke.

Streets at Southpoint Shopping, Monday, Dec. 14, Durham.

Southern Supreme Fruitcake Factory, Tuesday, Dec. 15, Bear Creek.

Shen Yun, Saturday, Jan. 16, Raleigh.

Johnny Mathis in Concert, Saturday, Feb. 27, Raleigh.

Menopause the Musical, Saturday, March 13, Raleigh.

Little House on the Prairie -- The Musical, Thursday, March 18, Raleigh.

"Wicked," Thursday, April 22, and Saturday, May 8, Durham.

Riverdance, Saturday, May 8, Raleigh.

The Moore County Historical Association sponsors programs, historical lectures and tours of house museums. Reservations and details, (910) 692-2051, www.moorehis tory.com.