Fun Heats Up at the Library Over Winter Break

  • By Baltimore County Public Library

When school is out and the temperatures drop, the fun heats up at the library! We invite you to “Be All In” with us over winter break. After all, we are your cure for boredom with two weeks packed with magic shows, creative activities and plenty of ways to play and explore—all in a warm and welcoming space. We’ve got something for everyone to enjoy! 

photo of the Library's Noon Year's Eve event, with a a balloon release and children having fun.

Winter Break Highlights  

We know that it can be challenging to keep the children entertained for their entire winter break. We're here to help! With 19 branches spread out across the county, there will be heaps of activities for customers to enjoy. View our full list of programs. A few special programs are highlighted below:

  • The Magic of a Book—Who doesn’t love a little winter magic? Magician Mike Rose presents an entertaining and motivational magic show that is all about reading and the love of books.  
  • Turtle Dance Music—Engages children with comedy, bubbles, music technology and stories that foster literacy, storytelling and a lifelong love of the local library. 
  • The Three Not-So-Little Pigs—Offers an offbeat version of the classic children’s tale. For example, the wolf is vegetarian. It’s as much fun for the adults as it is for the kids. 
  • Noon Year’s Eve—We know that the younger kids in our lives want to ring in the new year, but the midnight timeline is not on our side. Head to one of our Noon Year’s Eve programs, where they can count down to another 12—noon! There are also fun New Year’s Eve-themed activities and crafts. 
Circular logo with the word, "Champion" above a basketball hoop

Read, Score and Win! 

For a third year, we are partnering with Towson University Athletics to offer a "library night" at two of their basketball games in winter 2025. This year, the challenge has expanded to include children all the way through high school! Thanks to Foundation for Baltimore County Public Library, children in kindergarten through 12th grade are now eligible to win a complimentary ticket to one of two Towson University basketball games when they have completed the Winter Reading Challenge. And, while supplies last, all participants who complete will get a stylish Baltimore County Public Library beanie! It runs through Friday, January 31. Families can register on Beanstack, download the game board (PDF) or pick one up at any of our 19 branches. Visit our other blog post for full contest rules and an additional prize. 

Stay Cozy in Storyville 

Enjoy something special with the little ones in your life! Storyville is a child-sized village located at our Rosedale and Woodlawn branches that feature developmentally appropriate books, toys and activities designed to promote early literacy and school readiness skills for children ages birth to 5. Hours are: 

A baby crawling in a Storyville play area.
  • Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
  • Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.  

Sweeter Than Candy Canes  

With your library card, you can do much more than check out books.    

  • Discover our Library of Things. 
  • Watch movies and shows on hoopla or Kanopy. 
  • Learn a new language with Mango Languages. 
  • Pick up a Kwanzaa activity booklet from any branch, while supplies last. 
  • Snap a picture with ice-skating Sneaks. The standing cut-out is available at most of our branches. Share the love by tagging us on Facebook or Instagram.  
  • Hang out in our children and teen areas, with a collection of books and furniture curated just for them. 

CategoryProgramming and Events