Though the weather outside may be frightful (or at least a little brisk), local libraries are keeping things hot with no shortage of things to do (and books to read!) this winter. 

While the Altoona Public Library stays busy with groups like their Book ’Em Mystery Book Club, or their Food For Thought Book Club, and the Menomonie Public Library keeps up its storytime tradition, and the L.E. Phillips Memorial Public Library is launching a winter reading program, encouraging families to cozy up and read a good book for the chance to win cool prizes. 

Beat cabin fever this winter by completing a bunch of challenges and activities in the Winter Reading Program, which runs through Feb. 28. Once you complete the program, you will earn a random prize from the library’s prize vending machine. If you’re lucky, you may even find a golden ticket and win a grand prize! Or head outside and check out the library’s winter StoryWalks, including A Day So Gray by Marie Lamba in Carson Park and The Most Beautiful Thing by Kao Kalia Yang in Owen Park. 

You an also journey to Irvine Park in Chippewa Falls to check out the Chippewa Falls Public Library’s new StoryWalk, which debuts on Jan. 22. Also check out both libraries’ new subscription box, including a library book, snacks, and goodies with a fun theme through February. 

If you’re looking for in-person events, check out the Eau Claire library’s storytimes or a teen painting party on Jan. 22 – with free hot cocoa!

Check out more info about upcoming events at ecpubliclibrary.info.