Fulton County Public Library Youth Services Assistant Morgan Davis, top left, takes a break from her work erecting the Rochester branch’s “Original Snow Village” to point out some of the display’s 100-plus figurines. The village will be officially unveiled, along with a visit from Santa Claus, at the FCPL’s Christmas Open House, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. Photo provided by Erica Coffing.

News Release

ROCHESTER — The Fulton County Public Library in Rochester is hosting a Christmas Open House from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9.

The event will feature a visit from Santa Claus, who will be available for photo-ops in the children’s department, and the unveiling of the “Original Snow Village.” Hot chocolate, cookies and other refreshments will also be served.

The “Snow Village,” first displayed at the library in 2022, is composed of more than 100 hand-painted figurines donated by Tom and Sue Bair and occupies both walls of the library’s grand hall. This year’s display will also feature a number of new scenes, which were added to the collection in 2024. These include a castle, lighthouse, golf course and dairy barn.

Other highlights include an operational train set and a parade scene.

“Everybody loves a train set,“ noted Youth Services Assistant Morgan Davis, who oversaw the display’s set-up, a process she likened to “civil engineering.” Maintenance Supervisor Phil Dilley also created a number of structural elements to assist in the display’s presentation.

“We are so grateful to the staff at the Fulton County Public Library for continuing the ‘Original Snow Village,’” said Sue Bair. “It all began over 35 years ago with one simple piece, ‘The Christmas Tree Stand.’ Little did I know at the time it would become a passion of pure Christmas glee for years to come.”

Following the open house, the snow village will remain on display until January 2025. The Rochester Branch of FCPL is located at 320 W. Seventh St.