Library director Jamie Tyner said the children are given a letter to fill out, and drop into the special mailbox for Santa Claus.
"They can come pick the letter up at the circulation desk. ... When they fold it in half there is a fake stamp in corner and they can write name and address on it," Tyner explained.
Children can fill out the letter at the library or take it home and return it to the special mailbox later.
The letters are then forwarded onto Santa, and he sends a letter back to the children. The children will also get treats to set out for Santa's reindeer and possibly a gift for themselves.
"Everyone who comes in to get their letter back from Santa gets a special treat for Santa's furry friends, and first eight or so get another special treat for themselves," Tyner said.
Some of the letters that came in to the Pegasus branch this year are very touching. One is from a young person whose parents are losing their home because of tax problems and she asked Santa to save their home. Another young person asked Santa for a Sony DS3 player. He added that he's sorry for how bad he's been all year, but hopes Santa leaves the gift under the tree anyway.
Not all letters are asking for gifts, some have questions. One young person wants to know which reindeer Santa likes the best, he says he thinks it's Rudolph, but his friend thinks Santa likes all the reindeer equally. Another young lady wants to get her dog back that was lost earlier this year and she hopes to find it under the tree Christmas morning.
"Every year we're talking about how there's a greater need. This year, I won't say that. There's a greater need every year. And there are always folks out there that need the help of the community and the support of the community. Many times it's because of circumstances outside of their control. Certainly, the children are the innocent ones here," said Jim Brouillard, Bakersfield Postmaster
For many families writing a letter is a tradition and Santa knows who has been naughty or nice, but the post office seems to know who is in need.
"We know who's had their heat turned off. We know who's had their electricity turned off. We know which kids are outside with clothes that aren't fitting for the weather. So the carriers get to know the people in their neighborhood. They know who has jobs, who doesn't have jobs, who has children that don't have shoes or don't have a coat to wear," said Brouillard.
Santa's postal elves will answer all the letters. In some instances, where Santa needs a little more assistance for a holiday wish, the post office is looking for organizations to partner with them.
Over the past 69 years, the program has taken on a life of its own. Postal facilities in cities around the country today let charitable organizations, major corporations, local businesses and individuals adopt letters to Santa to make children's holiday dreams come true from coast to coast.
"When there are people in the community that want to help, we know where the need is. Sometimes we can put those two together and make it a brighter day, a brighter Christmas," said Brouillard.
If you'd like to help, requests for letters to Santa must be made in person at a participating local post office.
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