five-years-old and up on Monday, December 22.

From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. children can enjoy games, movies, food and music.

Children who wish to attend the party must register at the library before 5 p.m. on Friday December 19, 1997. There is a refundable registration fee of $5.

The library is asking all those attending the Christmas party to donate one of their own books (that is in good condition) which will be boxed and presented to the Children's ward at the King Edward VII Memorial Hospital or the Sunshine League.

*** This Saturday, arts and crafts vendors will be out in full force as part of Home-Grown Alternatives 1997.

A collaborative effort, Bermuda's finest artists, craftspeople and authors present, for the second time under one roof, a "Shop `til you drop'' pre-Christmas extravaganza at St. Paul's Church Hall, Paget, featuring locally made products by 22 participants, most of whom are repeats from last year.

Co-organisers Mary Tatem and Christine Wellman said nearly all HGA participants are well-known either on the hotel circuit, The Bermuda Craft Market, various art galleries around the Island or through the Chamber of Commerce's Harbour Nights or Heritage Nights.

"Nonetheless, this year we are graced with work from a number of craftspeople/artists who are not as "visible'' to the Bermudian public, such as Leslie James or Sonja T. Robinson.

"The large-format photography of Island Images, Kenneth Simmons is yet another "hidden treasure'' which will be on show at Home-Grown Alternatives.

Mrs. Wellman said: "What makes this arts and crafts show different from the rest is the fact that this is organised by artists and craftspeople for artists and craftspeople. The people who are the organisers are also the participants.'' The extravaganza will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Official opening at 11.30 a.m. by Audrey Brackstone, president of the Bermuda Craft Market Association.