Two young attendees smile for a photo with Holly the reindeer during the Reindeer at the Library event at the Sutter County Library in Yuba City on Nov. 7. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

YUBA CITY, CA (MPG) - The holiday season has arrived, and while Santa may still be getting his affairs in order, his reindeer are already spreading cheer.

On Nov. 7, the Sutter County Library in Yuba City hosted its first Reindeer at the Library event since before the COVID-19 pandemic — and families packed the main branch to welcome the beloved visitor.

“The last time we did this, we had people swinging from the light fixtures — and we were almost there again today,” said Linda Baker, a key volunteer with the Friends of Sutter County Library. “It’s really nice to see. I’m so glad we were able to bring this back.”

The star of the show was Holly, a 2-year-old reindeer brought in by Gabe Kerschner, director of “Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things.” Families gathered around the central lobby to watch Holly explore the space as Kerschner shared fun facts about reindeer and their remarkable adaptations.

Gabe Kerschner, director of Conservation Ambassadors’ Wild Things, speaks to a packed audience about reindeer habits and adaptations while Holly stands calmly beside him at the Sutter County Library in Yuba City on Nov.7. Photo by Shamaya Sutton

Both male and female reindeer grow antlers — a rarity among deer species — and the soft velvet that covers those antlers helps nourish them as they grow each year. Reindeer shed their antlers seasonally, with males typically losing theirs in late fall and females keeping theirs through winter or until giving birth. Their distinctive clicking sound comes from tendons in their feet, which help them stay together in snowy, low-visibility environments. Reindeer are also ruminants, meaning they chew their cud like cows — a sign, Kerschner noted, that meant Holly was feeling quite at home.

“She seems very relaxed here today,” Kerschner said as Holly bent her head down to nibble curiously at the carpet. “They don’t normally chew cud unless they’re relaxed.”

After the presentation, families lined up for a chance to take photos with Holly — though petting wasn’t allowed. Many said they planned to use the snapshots for early holiday cards or social media posts.

“I did not expect to see a reindeer in the library,” said Theodore, a 6-year-old visitor grinning from ear to ear. “That really surprised me.”

The Sutter County Library is located at 750 Forbes Avenue in Yuba City. For more information about upcoming programs and events, visit suttercounty.org/government/county-departments/library or call 530-822-7137.

Gabe Kerschner explains the seasonal shedding of reindeer antlers with Holly the reindeer at Sutter County Library in Yuba City for the Nov. 7. Photo by Chris Pedigo