CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library says, "Laissez les bons temps rouler! Let the good times roll!"
With a display of Carnival masks, throws and harlequins behind the circulation desk and a decorated Mardi Gras tree in the rear lounge area, you can almost hear the strains of "Mardi Gras Mambo" playing at the Crestview Public Library.
The library staff got into the carnival spirit again this year, with Library Director Jean Lewis and staff members Audrey Milcarek and Peggy Beiring providing decorations for the display shelves behind the circulation desk.
Milcarek started the tradition a couple of years ago with a few harlequin dolls in Mardi Gras costumes sitting among beads atop two sets of shelves. This year, the display fills two whole cases.
For her Mardi Gras tree, Milcarek said she pounced on after-Christmas sales for the trimmings. A fan of peacock plumes tops the tree. Ornaments include masks and balls in the colors of Carnival.
"We try to get festive and patrons enjoy it," Milcarek said. "Oh, you know me — just give me a reason to decorate!"
On Fat Tuesday, Feb. 12, the library staff will "be masking as the 'Krewe ex Libris Jean,'" or Jean's Krewe at the Library, throughout the day, Milcarek said.
"We'll be in beads and everything. Hopefully, we can find some Zapp's to put out," she said, referring to chips made in Gramercy, La.
Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: The good times roll Mardi Gras-style at Crestview library