Crack Open the Fun at the Library

The Sneaks Nutcrackers are up, which only means one thing. We’re ready to “crack” open the fun with you over winter break. From crafts and LEGO designs to musical performances and a magic show, we have something for everyone to enjoy.  

Winter Break Highlights  

We know that it can be challenging to keep the kids entertained for their entire winter break. We're here to help! With 19 branches spread out across the County, there are heaps of activities for customers to enjoy. View our full list of programs. A few special programs are highlighted below: 

• Icicle Ball—Sing and dance your way through this winter wonder-ful performance with Pam the Kindersinger and her friends Rascal and Scooter.
• NASA’s BEST Student Design Challenge—It’s a child’s chance to be an astronaut without ever leaving the library. Children work together to build a satellite and its rocket.
• K-pop Parties—Next to 6 7, K-pop is the hottest thing for kids right now. Attend programs where you can sing, dance and meet new friends.  
• Noon Year’s Eve—We know that the younger kids in our lives want to ring in the new year, but the midnight timeline is not on their side. Head to one of our branches hosting Noon Year’s Eve programs, where kids can count down to another 12—noon! There are also fun New Year’s Eve-themed activities and crafts. 

Read, Score and Win! 

Beanies and basketballs await you with this year’s Winter Reading Challenge. Students in grades K-12 can play along on a paper game board (PDF) or on Beanstack. Once they read for 400 minutes, they can visit any branch to receive a stylish winter beanie, while supplies last, and a complimentary ticket to a women’s or men’s Towson University Basketball game respectively scheduled for Sunday, February 22, or Saturday, February 28. Visit our other blog post for full contest rules. 

Stay Cozy in Storyville 

Enjoy something special with the little ones in your life! Storyville is a child-sized village located at our Rosedale Branch featuring developmentally appropriate books, toys and activities designed to promote early literacy and school readiness skills for children ages birth to 5. Children over the age of 5 are welcome as a “Storyville Helper,” but we encourage them to enjoy the children’s area of the library where there are specific books and activities for their age group. During busy times, like winter break, priority will be given to children birth to 5 and their caregivers. Hours are: 

• Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

The Woodlawn Storyville is currently closed for the Woodlawn Branch renovation.  

Sweeter Than Candy Canes  

With your library card, you can do much more than check out books.    

• Discover our Library of Things.
• Watch movies and shows on hoopla or Kanopy.
• Learn a new language with Mango Languages.
• Pick up a Kwanzaa activity booklet from any branch, while supplies last.
• Hang out in our children and teen areas, with a collection of books and furniture curated just for them. 

To check out materials, you will need a Baltimore County Public Library card. Come into any branch to sign up or you can grab an e-card instantly to start saving.