This blog post was written by Hannah Simmons, Children’s Library Associate at North County Regional Library.  

In honor of ONE Access turning 10, we’re thrilled to share our “Winter Break Top 10” list! These 10 book picks are perfect for cozy winter reading, and we’ve also included a handful of related Library programs to help students and families keep exploring and learning over the break.

Books and Programs to Celebrate HANUKKAH (December 14-22nd)  

1.) A Dragon For Hanukkah, by Sarah Mlynowski

On the first night of Hanukkah, Hannah's parents give her a dragon! So begins her holiday adventure as she receives eight magical presents -- one for each night. There's a playful dragon, a gleaming treasure chest, a time travel machine, some rowdy unicorns, and much more! But are the gifts what they seem to be? When Hannah gathers with family and friends to light the menorah, play dreidel, and eat delicious latkes, she'll discover the true magic of the Festival of Lights.

2.) Herschel and the Hanukkah Goblins, by Eric Kimmel

On the first night of Hanukkah, a weary traveler named Hershel of Ostropol eagerly approaches a village, where plenty of latkes and merriment should warm him. But when he arrives, not a single candle is lit. A band of frightful goblins has taken over the synagogue, and the villagers cannot celebrate at all! Hershel vows to help them. But can one man alone stand up to the goblins, save Hanukkah, and live to tell the tale?

Hanukkah Dreidel Party, North County Regional Library (all ages)

December 15th, 4:00-5:00 pm

Celebrate the hope and light of Hanukkah with us at the library! For this Hanukkah party, we will read “This is the Dreidel” and decorate our own dreidels to take home! All craft supplies will be provided, and all families will receive a Hanukkah Picture Book to keep.  

Learn about LAS POSADAS (December 16th-24th)

3.) The Night of Las Posadas, by Tomie DePaola

Everyone is excited to celebrate Las Posadas, the tradition in which Mary and Joseph go from door to door seeking shelter at the inn on Christmas Eve. This year, Sister Angie, who is always in charge of the celebration, has to stay home with the flu, and Lupe and Roberto, who are to play Mary and Joseph, get caught in a snowstorm. But a Christmas miracle takes place when a man and woman no one knows arrive in time to take their place in the procession, and then mysteriously disappear.

Books and Programs highlighting SOLSTICE/YULE (December 21st)

4.) A Winter Solstice Wish, by Kate Allen Fox

On the shortest day of the year, when daylight slips by like sand through one's fingers, people savor the light. As night falls, a community gathers on a beach and builds a bonfire of hope. Winter Solstice Wish is an ode to the winter solstice, human connectedness, and the hope of renewal. This story combines scientific concepts with the intangible longing for connection and togetherness that people all over the world reach for on the shortest day.

5.) Old Mother Frost, by Jennifer Hartman

Old Mother Frost is a Yuletide story of an ancient Norse goddess who sleeps all year long, waking only to make sure children are happy, healthy, and festive during the longest and coldest nights of the year, the 12 days of Yuletide.

ImaginOn Winterfest, ImaginOn Library (birth-5yrs)

December 10th, 10:30 am-12:00 pm

Join us for a seasonal Storytime at 10:30 am, followed by crafts and activities themed around winter! Cut paper snowflakes, decorate a snowman, explore ice tables, and more!  

Celebrate NOCHEBUENA (December 24th)

6.) Countdown for Nochebuena, by Adriana Bergstrom

Children will count holiday elements like clock chimes, plates of delicious food, and tired musicians from midnight, when Christmas Eve turns to Christmas and presents are opened, to one. In this story, family members, young and old, gather in their best festive clothes to celebrate Nochebuena, a Christmas Eve celebration for Latine people around the world!

Toddler Storytime: Nochebuena, North County Regional (19-36 months) 
 

December 3rd, 11:00 am

Join us for this bilingual storytime celebrating the Latine holiday of Nochebuena (Happy Night). These Spanish and English picture books will highlight how Christmas is observed in Hispanic communities. We will be reading "Countdown to Nochebuena" by Adriana Hernandez, and "N is for Navidad" by Susan Elya.  

Books and Programs Highlighting CHRISTMAS EVE (December 24th) & CHRISTMAS (December 25th)

7.) The Night Before Christmas, by Clement Moore

Enjoy the beautiful illustration of Jan Brett paired with the timeless Christmas story of a family who receives a special visit from St. Nicholas on Christmas Eve

Community Christmas Celebration, Allegra Westbrooks Regional (all ages)

Join us for an afternoon full of fun, fellowship, and winter festivity! We’ll have delicious holiday treats, a special appearance from Santa Claus, and more as we partner with Beatties Ford Road and West Side community businesses and resources! This event is free, open to the public, and geared to all ages. If you plan on taking Santa pictures, please register!  

Christmas Tree Decorating, West Boulevard (2-12yrs)
 

December 1-22nd

West Blvd Library needs your help! Our Christmas "Tree" needs decorations before Santa comes. Visit the children's area and color an ornament to help complete our tree, and learn about the origins of ornaments.

Crafternoon: GRINCHMAS!, South County Regional Library (5-11 yrs)

Have yourself a merry little GRINCHMAS! Create crafts and play games with the Grinch, Max, and Cindy Lou Who!

8.) Humphrey’s First Christmas, by Carol Heyer

You may have heard the story of the three wise men, who brought their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. But have you heard of Humphrey the camel, who carried them? Join Humphrey on his long journey to Bethlehem as he discovers what the true treasure of Christmas is.

Books and Programs to celebrate KWANZAA (December 26th-January 1st)

9.) My First Kwanzaa, by Karen Katz

During the seven days of Kwanzaa, we celebrate the importance of family, friends, and community. This warm and lively introduction to a very special holiday will help even the youngest children join in! Author and illustrator Karen Katz's wonderful series of picture books for the very young offers a simple and fun way to get familiar with the traditions of holiday celebrations from different cultures.

10.) Seven Spools of Thread: A Kwanzaa Story, by Angela Medearis

In an African village live seven brothers who make family life miserable with their constant fighting. When their father dies, he leaves an unusual will: by sundown, the brothers must make gold out of seven spools of thread. If they fail, they will be turned out as beggars. Using the Nguzo Saba, or "seven principles" of Kwanzaa, the author has created an unforgettable story that shows how family members can pull together, for their own good and the good of the entire community.

Kwanzaa Charlotte Family Workshop, Allegra Westbrooks Regional (all ages)

December 6th, 12:00-2:00 pm

Join us for this special workshop designed for families wanting to learn the origins, fundamental activities, seven essential values, and basic symbols of this time-honored celebration of family, community, and culture. Enjoy crafts with Mother Minter. ASL Interpretation provided.

As you enjoy Winter Break, we hope you’ll visit your local Library to join the celebration, explore new interests, and keep learning all season long. Explore all Winter Break programs by visiting our online calendar. There’s something for every reader waiting for you!