In years past, the holidays were often filled with non-stop activity, concerts, shopping, school programs, parties, etc. This holiday season will be one the likes of which few of us have experienced before.
Let us help you and your family reclaim the joy, fun, and focus of this holiday season in your bubble with ideas and resources to keep you connected this time of year.
Explore a new cookbook or cuisine
Holiday celebrations are filled with memories of the tastes, smells and textures of family food traditions. So, whether you go for traditional family recipes, cookie baking/decorating with the kids or decide on trying a totally new exotic menu, the Library has cookbooks with recipes waiting to be sampled. There is something sure to please everyone in the house.
Listen to some holiday tunes ...
For those long winter evenings, relax and reflect with sounds of the season. Select music CDs from our special holiday collection or borrow some of your old favorites through the Library catalog. You may also enjoy the Library’s Freegal music streaming and downloads — search for your favorite artists and albums, or stream Freegal’s curated holiday playlists.
... or make your own holiday concert!
Is there a pianist, guitar or ukulele player, or other musically-inclined member in the household? Check out holiday or popular sheet music books from the Library and enjoy their talent! Make your own concert! If you give them a venue, everyone can have a chance to shine!
Schedule a family movie night
Set up a themed movie marathon — from TV shows, to classics, or films in a series. Treat yourself to holiday favorites like The Christmas Story, Polar Express, A Christmas Carol, or The Nutcracker, with hot cocoa and cookies from your very own “kitchen concession stand”. And don’t miss our brand new Binge Boxes!
Watch a craft or DIY video from the Library
Want to keep busy while staying safe at home? You can watch a variety of craft programs, DIYs, storytimes, and more on the Library’s Vimeo, Facebook, or Instagram!
We have videos for all ages! Enjoy the Library’s services from the comfort of your home, and create something together. The best part is that our videos are available to stream anytime… day or night!
Need some time out of the house?
Take advantage of the Museum Adventure Pass program. You can use your Bensenville Community Public Library card to check out a pass to great Chicago area museums! There are a variety of area museums that participate in the program. For more details about the Museum Adventure Pass program and to see which passes are currently available, contact the Youth Services Department at (630) 766-4642.
Take time for yourself!
Be especially kind to yourself during the holidays. Make some time to relax and decompress with a good book and a warm beverage. Use one of our new services Novelist to help find read-a-likes for your favorite authors. Looking for more book recommendations? The Library has a collection of booklists for a range of interests and ages.
Above all stay connected! Call and chat with family, neighbors, friends, and especially those you know in nursing homes. Send cards, emails, and small care packages to those who are homebound or self-quarantining. Let them know they are remembered!
Wishing you and your family a happy and safe holiday season! From your friends at the Bensenville Community Public Library.
Want more recommendations?
You can check out all of our online booklists (for kids and for adults), or reach out to us! Our staff is ready and willing to make reading, listening, or viewing recommendations to you! Email us at reference@benlib.org or contact us via our online form!