By Kate Hill

Staff Writer

On March 11, the Cazenovia Public Library celebrated the conclusion of its popular “Warming up to Winter” program series with a “Mad Tea Party” and concert in the Community Room.

Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s “Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland,” the end of winter celebration featured scones and finger sandwiches donated by Suzanne Munger, cookies, hot beverages, and lively piano music performed by Laine Gilmore.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the three-month Warming up to Winter series was designed to enrich the season with engaging workshops, presentations and films for all ages.

“[It] was a great opportunity for the library to offer hands-on activities, for both adults and children, with a variety of community partners,” said Children’s Program Coordinator Jenna Wright Martin. “It has been rewarding to get to know our patrons and community members better as they share their interests and talents with us.”

A central aspect of Warming up to Winter was 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 12 p.m. in the library’s original building, the Cozy Café sessions featured casual, guided crafts and activities, hot beverages, cookies and conversation in a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Cozy Café attendees participated in programs on sourdough bread, felting, watercolor painting, picture books, VTS art study, Pysanky Ukrainian eggs, and quilting.

“I was thrilled by the active and enthusiastic participation in the Warming Up to Winter Cozy Café mornings,” said Library Director Betsy Kennedy. “The library is grateful to all the talented artists who shared their expertise and joy in the creative process. One of our goals for the series was to encourage people to leave their homes in the cold weather, learn something new and make new friends. We believe we accomplished this.”

Additional programs offered throughout the winter months included beekeeping and yogurt making workshops, a Winter Fest book sale and chocolate party, a Jazz concert, a drawing and painting workshop, sled dog-themed children’s workshops, a joint youth/senior pasta making event, a “ships in a bottle” family workshop, and several free movie screenings.

On Feb. 29, local artist Sarah Tietje-Mietz shared her unique creative process with community members during a program titled “Creating on the Grid.”

“As an artist, it is wonderful to share my painting technique and style with others, [and] to have them challenge themselves to create differently,” said Tietje-Mietz. “Winter can feel isolating at times and having a place to connect with others and to make something new is a great way to beat those blues. The library holds a very special spot in my heart, and to be able to participate in such a great programming effort meant so much to me.”

To learn about upcoming library programs and events, visit cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.