Written By Olena Riznyk
NORTH MIDDLESEX – While winter break is often a busy time for families, the North Middlesex Library branches offered a warm and welcoming place for children and parents looking to learn, connect, and spend time together.
“We had a really great holiday season,” said Doug Warnock, branch manager for the Parkhill and Ailsa Craig libraries.
One of the main initiatives over the break was a Winter Learning Contest, shared through local elementary schools. The contest included four simple challenges students could complete at home and return during the first week back at school.
“It was meant to keep the library in their minds without asking families to come in physically,” Warnock said. Completed entries were entered into prize draws at each participating school.
Despite a lighter program schedule, the libraries still saw steady daily use. “We had about 20 to 30 kids coming in regularly,” Warnock said. Children used computers, took part in scavenger hunts, read, and played games together. “The energy they bring is always great,” he added.
The library also became a natural stop for families spending time outdoors. Located near a popular tobogganing hill, the Parkhill branch often welcomed children looking to warm up after playing in the snow. “They’d spend the morning tobogganing, then come in and relax for the afternoon,” Warnock said. “It’s a great way to spend a cold winter day.”
Warnock noted that the library’s central location and welcoming environment make it an easy place for families to gather. “We had multiple days where families just showed up, met with each other, and enjoyed the space,” he said. “It creates a really strong community feel.”
With the new year underway, the library is launching a range of winter programs. Upcoming activities include a puzzle exchange, where patrons can swap used puzzles, and a beginner sewing program that will teach participants how to make a lavender-scented heating or cooling pad using the branch’s sewing machine.
Regular programming continues as well, including Story Time every Friday, which Warnock said remains one of the most popular offerings. “It’s about getting young children comfortable with stories and songs and helping them develop a love of reading,” he said.
Across the library system, a year-long genre reading challenge is also encouraging readers to try something new each month. January’s featured genre is science fiction.
“We know how important libraries are to our community,” Warnock said. “Our goal is to make them a special place for everyone.”
