Front Porch

HEADS UP

Library branch to close

The Evergreen branch of the Everett Public Library will close for long-waited renovations at 3 p.m. Dec. 24. The branch is expected to reopen in late 2019. The main library at 2702 Hoyt Ave. will remain open.

More info: epls.org

Museum to close

The Burke Museum in Seattle is planning to move into a new building in fall 2019. Its last week at its current location will be Dec. 26-30. Admission that week will be free for all, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Enjoy exhibits along with crafts for kids, a group painting project, fossils and more. The Burke Museum is the Washington State Museum of Natural History and Culture, located on the University of Washington campus at the corner of NE 45th Street and 17th Avenue NE.

More info: burkemuseum.org

EVENTS

Make a spinning toy

School-age children are invited to make spinning toys out of simple recycled materials at Spinners Galore, 3 to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Stanwood Library, 9701 271st St. NW. Supported by the Stanwood Friends of the Library.

More info: 360-629-3132

Holiday favorite puppet show

The Mary Shaver Marionettes will present “The Shoemaker and the Elf,” 11 a.m. Dec. 27 at the Everett Public Library, 2702 Hoyt Ave. See the impishly magical elf, a devoted daughter with baking issues, and a queen who collects shoes. Free.

More info: 425-257-8030

WAYS TO HELP

Volunteer at a hospital gift shop

Gift shops at local hospitals raise money for local causes and rely on volunteers.

Monroe: The gift shop at EvergreenHealth Monroe needs reliable volunteers to work three-hour shifts. The gift shop is open 10 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays. More info: Janie, vghgiftshop@gmail.com.

Everett: The nonprofit Providence General Children’s Association needs volunteers at the Providence Regional Medical Center Pacific and Colby campus gift shops for four-hour shifts, day or evening, two or more times per month. Gift shop proceeds benefit Northwest children in need. Must complete hospital volunteer forms, TB test, background check and training. More info: www.providence.org/volunteereverett, nanlt42@msn.com.

Help wildlife on Camano

Friends of Camano Island Parks’ Camano Wildlife Habitat Project trains volunteers through the Habitat Stewards program. Volunteers help create, preserve, enhance and restore wildlife habitat on Camano Island. The next training program will be held 6 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 16, Feb. 20, March 20, April 17, May 15 and June 19 at the Island County Multipurpose Center, 141 N East Camano Drive. There also are five field trips, 9:30 a.m. to noon Jan. 19, Feb. 23, March 23, April 20 and May 18. Training is offered by donation of time or money to the Habitat Project. Registration required.

More info: camanowildlifehabitat.org, 360-387-2236