Winter is a reminder to take it slow and enjoy the natural beauty outside your door. But let’s be honest: winter can also leave us a bit stir-crazy. If boredom has begun to set in, it’s time to check out some of the library’s more unique offerings. 

For little ones, Tonie Boxes are a great alternative to picture books and screen time. These speaker boxes come programmed with a variety of popular characters—like Pete the Cat, Moana, and Peppa Pig—that tell stories, play music, and even guide your child through meditation activities. Complete with headphones, our collection of Tonie Boxes can make traveling, chaotic mornings, and restless afternoons a little bit easier when it’s just too cold to go outside. 

If you’re desperate to get out of the house to enjoy a little culture, create an outing for the family, or class up your usual date night, we recommend one of our museum and park passes. Museum passes get you into some of the coolest spots in the area for free, including the Everson Museum, the Rosamund Gifford Zoo, the William H. Seward House, and the Play Space. And once the weather starts to thaw, grab a park pass for free parking at any Onondaga County or NY State park. 

Embrace your inner Van Gogh and pick up a tiny canvas from the library during the month of January. Creating tiny art is the perfect opportunity for family bonding or to simply indulge in some artistic fun. Share your miniature masterpiece with the community by returning your canvas to the library by the end of January to have it displayed in our Tiny Art Show on February 8. 

As winter wraps us in its chilly arms, there’s nothing quite like snuggling up with a good book to thaw out. Luckily, we’ve got book clubs for all ages all year round! For the adventurous 8- to 12-year-olds we’ve got a monthly graphic novel book club, and our family read-aloud book club for first- and second-graders will be meeting in March. Our book clubs for grownups each meet once a month (on Monday mornings and Wednesday evenings). The best part? Adults can join us in person or stay inside and hop on Zoom. 

Got questions? Need book recommendations? Unsure how a Tonie Box works? Just desperate for a change of scenery? Visit the library and let us be your one-stop boredom-buster paradise—sun and sand not included.