By Amy Mann and Katie Warrener, Children’s Services

Denial is futile. Winter has come. The white stuff is on the ground, temperatures have turned frigid, and frolicking outside in shorts and flip-flops is no longer an option. What to do…

Have you considered visiting your public library to escape the cold and boredom of Winter Break? We have plenty of activities to keep kids and families entertained, and of course, tons of books.

Our library boasts dozens of new picture books and easy readers for the season. “Best in Snow” is a new picture book about the wonders of water in winter from Hoosier author April Pulley Sayre. “Blizzard,” a 2014 picture book by John Rocco that portrays his boyhood experience during the blizzard of ‘78, is nominated for this year’s Young Hoosier Book Award.

The library also abounds with wintry chapter books for independent readers and family read-alouds. Curl up with a classic, like the “The Long Winter” by Laura Ingalls Wilder, or high fantasy, like “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis. Warm up with a gripping tale of survival or the wintry adventures of your favorite character. Perhaps you’d like something a bit more temperate. Maybe you’d enjoy listening to an audiobook about the summer travels of a Wimpy Kid as you venture over the river and through the woods.

We have other reasons to visit the library over Winter Break. New Release Tuesday Dec. 27, features a family film at 2 p.m. (call or go online for title). Thursday, Dec. 29, is a special Curious George story time. Children of all ages are invited to do crafts, listen to stories, watch a movie, and enjoy snacks. The program runs from 10 a.m. to noon.

The fun continues the following week. Elementary school children can play Minecraft at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan.3, by registering online or by phone, and build with LEGOs while enjoying a movie at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 4, no registration necessary. Our regular LEGO Club happens at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7.

Also beginning the second week of Winter Break is our first ever children’s winter reading program. Celebrate midwinter reading and learning activities with us and earn prizes. To participate, pick up a bingo card at the Children’s Desk or download one online. For details about WCPL programs, visit the library’s website or call (574) 267-6011.