by Beth Cronk, Litchfield head librarian
I keep seeing articles about trying to enjoy the winter instead
of dreading it. I have to admit I hate
cold and dark, so finding ways to feel better during this time of year sounds
like a great idea. Many of these
writings refer to the ways that Scandinavian countries embrace the season. The
Danish word hygge loosely translates as “coziness,” but it’s one of those
words that doesn’t really have an English equivalent, because togetherness and
well-being are part of it as well. It is
associated with things like candles, fireplaces, hot beverages, blankets,
friends, family, and food. The
Norwegians call it “koselig,” and they reportedly embrace the good things that
come with winter instead of suffering through it. I wonder if they have to drive on slippery
roads as much as we do? I should ask the
people I know who used to live in Norway…
So what kind of hygge can the library offer you? Well, the library itself is a pretty cozy
place, especially now that the lighted Christmas trees are up. To really add the social element, you could
come to a book club. Talking about books with friendly, interesting people can
give you a warm feeling of togetherness.
Our next book for Adult Book Club is A Christmas Blizzard by Garrision
Keillor. The title doesn’t sound warm
and cozy, but it’s supposed to be heartwarming in the end. The next meeting is on January 12th at
noon. Multiple copies are on hand at our
front desk to check out.
The Mystery Book Club is reading Plum Pudding Murder by
Joanne Fluke. The murder part is not so
snug and safe, but Fluke’s novels are considered cozy mysteries, which means
the violence is downplayed, and the detective work happens in a small community. This book club meets on the third Wednesday
of the month, which will be December 16.
We normally offer a Fiber Arts Club on the fourth Thursday
of the month at 4 p.m., but since that day will fall on Christmas Eve in
December, you’ll have to wait until January to attend. This group is a very informal way to gather
with other people who are knitting, crocheting, or doing other handwork.
If you’re looking for some recipes for comfort food, we have
some new cookbooks that fit the bill: Brunch @ Bobby’s by Bobby Flay, The Pioneer Woman Cooks: Dinnertime by Ree Drummond, and Sweets & Treats with Six Sisters’ Stuff.
To get some ideas for making your home more cozy, we have a
couple of new decorating/design books on the way: Country Living American Style and Cabin Porn: Inspiration for Your Quiet Place Somewhere. Don’t be alarmed by the title of the second
book; it’s just a collection of photographs of cabins in beautiful places that
inspire fantasies of moving to the woods.
Of course, just curling up with a book or a movie can make
for a cozy evening (or day) anytime, as long as it’s something you enjoy. Some of our very newest books include House of the Rising Sun by James Lee Burke, Irish Meadows by Susan Anne Mason, and Texas Hills by Ralph Compton. Our
latest DVDs include Jerusalem from National Geographic, Dope, and Bears from the Disneynature series.
This winter, I’m going to look for opportunities for hygge. I hope the library can help boost your
well-being, togetherness, and coziness this season.
