By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
This month, the Cazenovia Public Library will bring back the popular “Warming up to Winter” program series for its second year in a row.
Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the three-month series is designed to enrich the season with engaging activities, presentations and films for all ages.
“We are thrilled to offer this program again,” said Library Director Betsy Kennedy. “It was so successful last year. A number of individuals said that it really helped them get through the winter.”
Central to the annual program series is the “Cozy Café” — a weekly celebration of “hygge.”
A key aspect of Danish culture, hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”) is a concept characterized by a state of coziness, comfort and contentment.
Held on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to noon in the library’s original building, Cozy Café sessions feature casual, guided crafts and activities, hot beverages, cookies and conversation in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
“All of the talented people who will be sharing their passions are just as excited as the participants,” Kennedy said. “We are so pleased to give these folks a platform. The program series fits in so well with our mission of strengthening community by engaging our history, connecting people, inspiring life long learning and transforming lives.”
The library will present the first seven “Warming up to Winter” events throughout the month of January.
The Cozy Café series will kick off with a sourdough workshop on Jan. 22.
Megan Tennant will discuss sourdough starter maintenance and provide an overview of the steps, techniques and science involved in bread making.
Participants will have the opportunity to observe the sourdough at each stage and enjoy a loaf of homemade bread.
At the end of the program, each participant will be provided a glass jar of sourdough starter and a care guide to take home.
The second Cozy Café, held on Jan. 29, will feature a felting workshop with Sue Parker.
Participants will first create felted dryer balls to get a feel for needle felting. They will then learn to make colorful felted soaps using “wet felting” — a process that uses water, soap and agitation to interlock and compact wool fibers together into a fabric.
All materials will be provided.
Registration is requested for both Cozy Café programs. Call or stop by the library to reserve a spot.
The library will present free screenings of a 2019 biographical drama film about American singer and actress Judy Garland on Jan. 17 at 1 and 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. The movie is rated PG-13 and runs 118 minutes.
A second 2019 biographical film will be shown on Jan. 31 at 1 and 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. The movie, which is rated PG-13 and runs 125 minutes, tells the story of slave-turned-abolitionist Harriet Tubman.
On Jan. 20, from 2 to 3 p.m., Cazenovia artist Jennifer Hooley will present “Exploring Creativity” — a hands-on drawing and painting workshop for children ages 8-12.
An exhibition of Hooley’s work is currently on display in the Library Gallery.
The artist will speak briefly about her left-handed versus right-handed drawing and painting processes and lead participants through a variety of exercises that engage different parts of the brain.
The workshop will be held in the Community Room. All materials will be provided. Registration is requested.
Hooley will present a similar program to teenagers and adults on Jan. 22 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Room. Registration is requested.
On Jan. 24, the library will host the JT Hall Jazzz Consort at 7 p.m. in the Community Room.
The five-piece jazz ensemble includes Cookie Coogan (vocals), Tom Witkowski (keyboard), John Dancks (bass), Jimmy Johns (drums) and JT Hall (Flugelhorn).
The band — whose repertoire includes standards, blues and original compositions — has been performing in the Central New York area since 1999 at both public and private venues.
All events at the Cazenovia Public Library are free and open to the public. For more information, call 315-655-9322 or visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
