Avery Winter, 5, of Marquette, makes a craft Thursday at the Peter White Public Library. The library hosted “All Aboard The Polar Express” Thursday evening. (Journal photo by Christie Bleck)

MARQUETTE — Kids at Peter White Public Library went “All Aboard The Polar Express,” even though they weren’t physically there.

The library sponsored the special holiday-themed program Thursday in the new Youth Services Great Room.

Amanda Pierce, PWPL Youth Services assistant, led the event, which allowed participants to wear pajamas. The youngsters listened to a reading of the story, which also was made into an animated movie starring Tom Hanks.

The tale centers on a boy who, along with other youngsters, takes a train to the North Pole on Christmas Eve.

“They pick up nonbelievers as they go, and then they go to the North Pole,” Pierce said. “They’ll always have that memory of going and always believing.”

The Polar Express program marked the second program held in the new children’s space, she said.

If visitors entering the room look up, they will see what look like waffles, but really are what Pierce called “sound clouds”

“It’s always been super loud,” said Pierce, who noted the sound clouds will dampen the sound.

After listening to a reading of “The Polar Express,” the youngsters took part in a variety of crafts, including decorating cookies and creating makeshift train cars.

Betsy Morais of Marquette took her son, Nolan, 4, to Thursday’s event, which wasn’t the first time they’ve enjoyed a PWPL program.

“They like all the different activities that they have here,” she said.

Christie Bleck can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 250. Her email address is cbleck@miningjournal.net.