The Library Offers Free Fun and Food Over Winter Break

Written by Lisa Soper, Youth Services & Programming Coordinator, Downtown Main Library 

Winter break is nearly upon us. With many families staying home this year, the Library wants to help keep Hamilton County kids busy and fed while school is out. We have several take-home activities to fill those extra hours, as well as opportunities to pick up meals at select Library branches.  

Gingerbread Cookie Escapes 

Calling all kids! Run, run as fast as you can to the Library, because the gingerbread cookie has escaped the bakery and is hiding here. Using your favorite book character as inspiration, create a disguise to help the gingerbread cookie stay hidden. Pick up a gingerbread cookie outline and instructions at any open Library branch, or print your own, opens a new window. Be creative when you’re decorating your gingerbread cookie; use crayons, markers, colored pencils, paint, or any other craft items you have available at home. 

Then join one of these virtual storytimes to show off your cookie’s disguise, hear a story or two, and have some fun. Register online to receive an invitation to one of these Zoom events. 

• Monday, Dec. 21, at 10 a.m. with Miss Bridgid from the Westwood Branch 
• Tuesday, Dec. 22, at 3 p.m. with Miss Ann from the North Central Branch 
• Wednesday, Dec. 23, at 1 p.m. with Miss Caitlin from the Harrison Branch 
• Tuesday, Dec. 29, at 10 a.m. with Miss Ginna and Mr. Andrew from the Sharonville Branch 
• Wednesday, Dec. 30, at 2 p.m. with Miss Heather from the Loveland Branch

Happy New Year 

Celebrate the new year with a homemade confetti launcher and a family-friendly countdown video. Stop by any Library branch, starting Dec. 19, to pick up a Take & Make kit with supplies to make confetti launchers from cardboard tubes, balloons, and tissue paper. Then ring in the new year with some of your favorite children’s librarians. Join us for a special New Year’s Eve Storytime and Countdown video, available to view on demand at cinlib.org/video, opens a new window. 

Can’t make it to the Library to pick up a kit? Download the instructions and check out a video showing how to make a launcher using simple items you may have at home. Visit CincinnatiLibrary.org/Take-and-Make/, opens a new window to learn more, and find out about the Take & Make kits available at a library branch near you.  

Meals for All Ages 

During Winter Break, the Library is partnering with La Soupe Community Kitchen to distribute frozen meals for all ages, at the following locations. One meal per person, while supplies last. Youth may receive family meals without being present. 

Saturday, Dec. 19 

• 1-3 p.m. Elmwood Place, opens a new window 
• 1-3 p.m. Price Hill Will—ARCO (3301 Price Ave.) 
• 3-5 p.m. Madisonville, opens a new window

Tuesday, Dec. 22 

• 1-3 p.m. Reading, opens a new window 
• 3-5 p.m. Avondale, opens a new window 
• 3-5 p.m. Price Hill Rec Center (959 Hawthorne Ave.)

The Library also continues its weekly meal distribution Monday, Dec. 21, from 3-5 p.m. at select Library locations, in partnership with UMC Food Ministry and La Soupe. For a list of participating locations, please visit CincinnatiLibrary.org/meals, opens a new window  

Please note there is no UMC Meal Box distribution Monday, Dec. 28, but participants will receive extra meals and snacks Dec. 21 for the following week. Regular distribution resumes Monday, Jan. 4.