“Christmas Stories with Santa” is a tradition at the Troy Public Library and children of all ages are invited to share in this tradition Thursday night.

Santa Claus will arrive promptly at 6 p.m. but has told Teresa Colvin, children’s librarian, that he must leave at 7 o’clock to go back North Pole with the children’s wish lists so the elves can get busy making their toys.

“This is a very busy time for Santa but he will see all of the children that are at the library by 7 p.m.,” Colvin said. “Because the little children need to be home early, Santa will see them first. While the older children are waiting, we have several fun activities planned for them.”

A Santa-helper will be reading Christmas stories in one area of the library and another will be showing the children how to make Christmas ornaments that they can take home.

“There will be several different ornaments to choose from and they will be fun to make,” Colvin said.

“Those who enjoy listening to stories will want to join that group. We also have a selection of age appropriate books and each child may pick a book to take home as long as the books last.”

There are board and picture books for the younger children, as well as quality books for older ages.

Colvin said the books are gifts from the Troy Public Library.

“We want to encourage reading at an early age and, when parents and children read together, the bond between them is strengthened. Reading is so important and reading is fun.”

Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to take pictures of their children with Santa Claus.

“Times with Santa Claus are precious moments so we want parents to feel free to bring a camera and capture them,” Colvin said.