By EMILY SPARACINO / Staff Writer

CHELSEA – Several tables at the Chelsea Public Library looked as if they held miniature neighborhoods as children crafted gingerbread houses two days this month.

Children were invited to decorate gingerbread houses using pre-formed house bases, royal icing, graham crackers and candies on Dec. 5 and 9.

“This was fun,” library director Dana Polk said of the activity. “This was the first time, and we’ll probably try to do it again next year. I’m thrilled. I think it went really well.”

Before the house-making activity began on Dec. 9, Polk read two gingerbread man stories to the children during what is normally Tot Spot, a weekly program for young children at the library.

Eight children, ranging from nine months to four years in age, attended the Dec. 9 session, and about 17 children attended the Dec. 5 session.

“It was free for everybody,” Polk said.

Participants were able to take their gingerbread houses home after the program.