Congratulations on surviving last month's Polar Vortex! Despite the cold, our staff and visitors who stopped in during the bone-chilling temperatures managed to have a little bit of fun. But if you're missing the cold weather already, might we suggest these 11 books perfect for reading with a cup of hot chocolate by the fire?

Keep reading to check out some of our programming highlights for the month of February!

The Create Space is open!

We’re excited to announce the opening of our Create Space at R.H. Stafford Library. The Create Space is a new, flexible-concept work area that includes a creative design station with four iMac computers, two collaborative booths, and four multipurpose tables. At our opening celebration, visitors tried out Adobe’s Character Animator, experimented with Bee-Bots and Magna-Tiles, and explored new worlds with our virtual reality gear. Reserve an iMac in the Create Space on our website.

Read, write to pass the winter

Winter Reads is in full swing at the library! Read great books, share your reviews, then do it all over again for the chance to win some great bookish prizes. Look for the Winter Reads display at your local branch for more information. More interested in writing? Learn about the basics of writing a children’s book at R.H. Stafford Library on February 12, or chat with author Caren Stelson during her visit to Wildwood Library on February 13.

Great performances at WashCoLib

This month we’re bringing a series of musical performances to local libraries. Experience feel-good sounds from Africa with musician Siama Matuzungidi at Oakdale Library on February 9, explore stories that highlight African American history and culture at R.H. Stafford Library on February 16, or brave a musical snowstorm with the MacPhail Center for Music at Wildwood Library on February 25. If live music isn’t your style, stop by Lake Elmo Library any Thursday night to catch great performances on film!

Take a walk on the wild side

We’re bringing the outdoors inside this month! On February 9, the Wildlife Science Center will be bringing a hawk and an owl to Hardwood Creek Library. If you love reptiles, there will be three chances to get up close to snakes and lizards with Snake Discovery on February 23 at Valley Library and March 2 at R.H. Stafford Library and Park Grove Library. If you’re looking for some science programs that are a little less… wiggly, check out all our monthly STEM programs in our calendar.

Spotlight On... African American History

African American History month is a nationally recognized observance of influential African Americans who were leaders, inventors, advocates, innovators, educators, and more. Umbra Search peers into history through hundreds of thousands of digitized materials. Our collection offers materials for readers of all ages looking to explore both great individuals, and delve deeper into specific periods in time. Check out our blog for more on this month's spotlight.

Library Closed for Presidents' Day

All Washington County Library locations will be closed on Monday, February 18 for Presidents' Day. Hours for associate libraries in Stillwater and Bayport may be different, so be sure to check our calendar. Even though our buildings are closed, you can still access your library account on our website, WashCoLib.org, and check out ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines through our online catalog.