Many Borders and Waldenbooks stores will host free, family-friendly New Year's Eve parties for kids starting at 2 p.m. The events will include New Year's-themed activities for kids, including crafts and story times.

At Seattle's Best Coffee cafes, in most Borders superstores, the staff will offer free samples of drinks and baked goods.

To find out if the store closest to you is hosting a party, go to Borders.com and click on the store locator tab and search for the store. Then click on the store's page to view a list of upcoming events.

A quick check finds that the Borders at 404-101 E. Six Forks Road in Raleigh (inside the Beltline near Costco),  Beaver Creek Commons in Apex and Fordham Boulevard in Chapel Hil will be hosting parties.