The Wareham Free Library will ring in the new year in style this Dec. 31 — but the festivities will culminate in a balloon drop at noon rather than midnight. 

The family-friendly activities will begin at 10:30 a.m. with “silly stories and tales as told by Big Ryan's Tall Tales,” according to a library press release. 

“Big Ryan is sure to have kids of all ages (including moms and dads) laughing as we end the year,” said Library Director Patrick Marshall. Following the Tall Tales, there will be a few other activities leading up to a noontime countdown and balloon drop.

The program is free and no registration is required. Masks must be worn in town buildings.

The program is sponsored by the Friends of the Wareham Free Library.