Opinion, Fuller: Library card opens door to winter wonderland

By Jill Fuller

The snow. The freezing temps. The wind. We’re almost through January, but with the holidays over, it’s starting to feel like winter is dragging its feet.

When you need something new to do, where can you turn? Might I suggest your public library? 

Yes, yes, you’re probably rolling your eyes right now. You already might know your library has books, movies and magazines to check out and take home. 

But hear me out: A trip to the library could be just the thing to brighten a dark winter day. There’s something deeply comforting about wandering through library shelves, knowing you can pick whatever you want without worrying about pricetags. Chancing upon the newest book in a favorite series or settling into a cozy chair to page through a magazine can feel as good as a hot mug of cocoa on a cold night. When you take the time to turn a quick trip to the library into a full visit, you might be surprised how recharged you feel. 

Plus, you never know what you’ll walk out with. Why not watch the light sparkle on a forest trail while you hike on the snowshoes you checked out? Or warm up on a cold evening by playing a board game with the family? From puzzles to robotic kits, the libraries across Jefferson County have shelves full of items to keep you busy this winter. Check with your library to see what’s available or search the online CAFÉ catalog at cafelibraries.org. 

When the weather won’t let you out of the house, your library card has a magical way of getting you through the doors anyway. Digital options abound … all for free. If you’ve got your library card number handy, we’ve got entertainment options for you. 

Ready to read? Thousands of ebooks and digital audiobooks are on the Libby and Hoopla apps, just waiting for you to click on them and start reading. The Flipster app has new and past issues of popular digital magazines, like “People,” “Midwest Living” and more. Even the Libby app has magazines on it. 

The fun doesn’t stop with reading. Listen to your favorite music and watch movies or TV show episodes on Hoopla. Love nature, travel or true crime documentaries? All libraries in the Bridges Library System now have a new streaming service called Access Video on Demand with documentaries from PBS, BBC, HBO and more. It even has kids’ shows.

Whew, that’s a lot to keep track of. All the apps I listed above are available for free in the app store. (Access Video On Demand’s app is coming soon.) Once you download them, you only need your library card number to get started. You can also find links and information on your library’s website or at www.bridgeslibrarysystem.org/databases. Any questions? Your local librarian can connect you with anything you’d like to use. 

Winter won’t last forever, but while it’s here, go ahead and pull out your library card. Stream a movie, stop in for a book, chat with a librarian. You’ll start to feel winter melt away.

Jill Fuller is marketing and communications librarian for the Bridges Library System, of which all public libraries in Jefferson and Waukesha counties are members.