When the holidays roll around, some folks head south to chase the sunshine—but if you’re sticking around town this winter break, there’s plenty of fun to be had right here at home. Whether you’re entertaining kids on school vacation or just looking for cozy, low-cost ways to relax until spring returns, your library card can unlock an amazing staycation.

Here are a few ways to make the most of winter break—no passport or big budget required.

🎲 Game On

Did you know the library lends out board games? (We just got a bunch of new ones!) No need to spend a fortune on flights when you can have fun playing games like Trekking. Imagine you’re getting ready for a road-trip across the U.S., with one goal: visit as many national parks as you can, collect memories, and be the one who’s done the most exploring by the time you hit the finish line. Even if you’ve never been to many (or any) national parks, the game evokes a sense of adventure, discovery, and “wow look at that place.” The cards with photos + facts add a nice immersive touch.

🎬 Stream, Strum, and Spin

Your library card unlocks some pretty cool gadgets and entertainment:

• Roku devices for streaming your favorite shows and movies
  
• Ukuleles to strum along to some winter tunes
  
• Portable CD players and external DVD drives so you can borrow movies and music—or rediscover the CDs and DVDs collecting dust in your basement
  

💾 Digitize Your Memories

If you’ve got old home videos or boxes of family photos AND a mother who would love for you to do something with them (just me?), the Digital Media Lab (DML) is the place to go. Convert those VHS tapes and prints into digital files and give your memories a modern update.

🧩 Puzzle Time

Enjoy the library’s robust puzzle collection in our beautiful Gold Room.  We accept donations of new or gently used puzzles and keep them in the Gold Room for folks to enjoy at the library or to take home. No library card? No problem. You are free to take home a puzzle without checking it out at the circulation desk and may keep it forever or bring it back when you’re done. 

🏛️ Explore Local Museums

Don’t forget to reserve museum passes early! The library’s passes give you free or discounted access to a variety of local museums—each offering special events and exhibits throughout the winter season.

☕ Meet Up and Warm Up

Looking for a cozy (and free!) place to meet friends? The library has comfy seating areas for adults and a welcoming youth room complete with soft chairs and a train table. It’s the perfect spot for a playdate, coffee catch-up, or study session.

Stay Local, Stay Cozy, Stay Curious

You don’t have to go far to make lasting memories this winter break. With a library card in hand, you can explore, create, play, and connect—all right here at home.