By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
This month, the Cazenovia Public Library (CPL) will present Hygge at Home, an eight-week, “take and make” craft series for ages 13 and older.
A key aspect of Danish culture, hygge (pronounced “hue-guh”) is a concept characterized by a state of coziness, comfort and contentment.
The crafts will be available for pick-up every Monday from Jan. 18 through March 8.
Projects include Epsom salt candleholders, beaded snowflakes, origami treat boxes, book page flowers, string art, tissue tie-dye, glass gem magnets, and light catchers.
While most of the kits contain all of the materials needed for each craft, a few projects will require some self-provided supplies.
“We know that winter — this winter especially — can take a toll on people’s mental health,” said CPL Children’s Education Coordinator Jenna Wright-Martin. “So, as a way of filling the gap of our usual Warming Up to Winter program series, we were inspired to create a series of take home craft kits that will allow the spirit of Hygge — light, winter, friendship and simplicity — to be embraced at home.”
Registration is required. Due to limited supplies, registration is currently limited to a maximum of four crafts; a waitlist will be available for additional crafts. Register online at cazenoviapubliclibrary.org by clicking on an image of a craft or call the CPL at 315-655-9322. A registration confirmation will be sent via email.
Hygge at Home is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
Other library services and resources
The CPL website provides access to a number of online resources, including the MYlibrary2go Digital Library, which grants access to eBooks, audiobooks, movies, magazines, music, television shows, and graphic novels.
The collection is available through several digital download services/apps like Libby, RB Digital and Overdrive.
All services are free to use with automatic return and no late fees.
Patrons can stay up-to-date on all of the CPL’s latest titles by signing up for Wowbrary at wowbrary.org.
According to CPL Archivist Elisha Davies, Wowbrary is a service that sends weekly e-newsletters of new material added to the library.
“Since we’ve suspended our ‘new book’ kiosk, this helps patrons know what is new to the library,” said Davies. “It’s nice because it links to our catalog, [so] you can easily place holds. Wowbrary is also great because it has an agreement with Amazon to give money back to the library if people shop through a specific link (wowbrary.org/cazenovia). We receive almost four percent of total sales made at no cost to the shopper.”
The library’s website also offers easy access to genealogy tools, old Cazenovia Republican newspapers, job and career resources, general reference materials, and Transparent Languages — a service that offers lessons in more than 100+ languages and dialects, as well as 26 language lessons designed for ESL (English as a Second Language) students.
The library building is currently open for limited patron use.
Visitors are currently allowed 40 minutes inside the building Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to browse circulated materials, use the copier, and access the computers. Limited museum entry and a limited number of quiet independent workspace tables are also available. All patrons are required to wear face coverings.
“I was sorry to hear my colleagues in other libraries have had to close either because of positive COVID-19 tests or multiple staff members having to quarantine,” said CPL Director Betsy Kennedy. “Fortunately, the cases have been mild. But this does highlight the vulnerability of the people who serve the public. The health of our valued staff members is very important. We are also concerned about public safety and ensure that our staff do health screenings everyday.”
According to Kennedy, the library has installed high efficiency air purifying systems, a plexiglass shield around the front desk, and hand sanitizing stations throughout the building.
“Our community has been very receptive to these safety measures and it is appreciated,” Kennedy said. “Currently, the library community is reaching out to state lawmakers to ascertain where library staff fit in the vaccination schedule. We are carefully monitoring the situation and will adjust as needed.”
The CPL is also offering curbside pickup. Orders may be called in, emailed, or sent via social media along with an anticipated pickup time. Patrons can also place a hold/request through the online Mid York Catalog.
Books are available for sale at Carriage Barn Books on Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
To receive a monthly email featuring library events, news and behind the scenes snapshots, sign up at cazenoviapubliclibrary.org.
