For many of us, winter is a season of welcome. We welcome each other home, we welcome family and guests, and we greet a new year.
It's always fun to share the season with everyone in the community. As a regular stop for many Hinsdaleans and their guests, we get to meet visiting grandparents, as children are so excited to share their favorite books and toys in the library. Young adults returning from college wander back in, ready to relax and check out some books they get to select for themselves. Sometimes we see old friends who have moved but are returning for a visit. It's a lovely time to see familiar faces and we love to hear about everyone's latest adventures.
It's remarkable that while many of us are at our busiest, everyone is also at their most generous. Taking the time to exchange well wishes during this season feels especially warm and thoughtful. The library often sees patrons looking for a beloved holiday movie or music they remember and want to share with those closest to them. People are excited to build connections and share something special. We enjoy nourishing that holiday spirit and being a part of your traditions.
Sometimes weary shoppers drop by, tired from errands and hoping to sit down and warm up for a while, with no one making any demands. People may be looking for a peaceful place to rest and admire the holiday lights in Burlington Park, to search for new holiday recipes or to catch up with the news. It's an honor to host all of our guests. Everyone is invited.
New residents are welcome to stop by to create a library card. We look forward to meeting you. The "Get a Card" link is always available at https://www.hinsdalelibrary.info if you prefer to have your new library card mailed to your home.
For friends who cannot stop by, we will come to you. Residents unable to regularly visit the library can arrange to have library volunteers deliver items weekly to their home. Doorstep Delivery also makes rounds to long-term residents at Magnolia Senior Living.
The library event calendar is filling up for the new year. We look forward to welcoming caregivers and little ones at Toddler Time or during a Preschool Book Break. Capture the fun with a visit to our seasonal Selfie Station. Virtual Storytime is still available for those who want to participate from home.
If you're looking for a creative outlet, sign up for one of our crafting programs. Registration is open for Take Home Toddler Art Kits. Children can sign up to come make a snowy winter town or pinecone snowy owl, and teens can register for a 3-D Paper Snowflake Take Home Kit.
Adults managing multiple calendars in 2022 can join us in-person on Jan. 11 for "It's About Time: Using Online Calendars." Get organized with de-cluttering tips from humorist and author Jamie Novak during our virtual program on Jan. 15.
If the holidays lead to some travel, you might check out a mobile hotspot or a pre-loaded Kindle. Rokus are available if you're planning to catch up on shows streaming through Disney+, Amazon Prime or Netflix, or looking for classics on Kanopy. These devices from our circulating technology collection are available to Hinsdale cardholders for a three-week checkout.
However you spend your time this season, our doors are open. We hope to welcome you soon.
- Stacia Miksys is the patron services manager at the Hinsdale Public Library.
