ANDREW WOOD, 10, carves his initials on a runestone using the Hobbit alphabet during Thursday's party celebrating the birthday of author J.R.R. Tolkien.

KILGORE PUBLIC LIBRARY | EVENT

The Kilgore Public Library took a trip to Middle-earth on Thursday to celebrate the birthday of author J.R.R. Tolkien.

The writer of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy was born Jan. 3, 1892, in South Africa.

As a Hobbit-house-shaped cake was served, children made rune charms and carved their initials into them using the Hobbit alphabet, and party participants tested their “Lord of the Rings” trivia talents.

The next event at the library, 301 N. Henderson St. in Kilgore, is a Hobby Fair scheduled from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Jan. 18.

People are encouraged to bring their hobbies to the event — whether that’s cooking, collecting or anything in between — and connect with people with similar interests or who are looking for a new hobby. Contact Kaitlin de Graffenried at 903-218-

6999 with questions.