This December, we’re all being challenged to adapt favorite traditions and settle in at home for a while. If you’re looking for ideas to help pass the time this winter, visit www.nols.org to learn more about materials and services available online or curbside at your local library.

Reading, listening to music, and watching movies are great pastimes any time of year, especially this season when the nights are long. Many community members have told us how much they miss browsing the shelves, and in response, NOLS launched a Grab Bag service earlier this year.

One of the great things about browsing is discovering new-to-you titles or finding old favorites. While Grab Bags can’t replace the experience of browsing in the library, they do provide an easy way to access books, DVDs, music, and audiobooks to browse on a small scale. They also offer the gift of anticipation; you can look forward to receiving library materials selected for you, based on your preferences.

You might find titles like these in a Grab Bag:

• Faster: How a Jewish Driver, an American Heiress, and a Legendary Car Beat Hitler’s Best by Neal Bascomb
• Beheld by TaraShea Nesbit
• Amnesty by Aravind Adiga
• Barn 8 by Deb Olin Unferth
• Becoming Coastal: 25 Years of Exploration and Discovery of the British Columbia Coast by Paddle, Oar and Sail</em by Alex Zimmerman
• Days of Distraction by Alexandra Chang
• Credible Threat by J.A. Jance

You may not love everything in the Grab Bag, but consider it a win if you discover a couple of titles to enjoy. Give it a try at www.nols.org/grab-bag and delight in the serendipity of discovering something new.

NOLS also offers a range of programs for kids, teens, and adults. Check www.nols.org/nols-events frequently for a full list of ways to connect virtually with your community. Here are a few of the fun things happening in December.

Follow NOLS on Facebook and Instagram as staff share their favorite books from 2020 throughout the month of December!

Pick up a craft kit for Take & Make Snowflakes, curbside, beginning December 7. Recommended for ages 8 and up.

Tune in to KSQM 91.5 to listen live to a special radio program Winter Stories: Hindsight in 2020 on Thursday, December 10 at 6pm. A partnership between NOLS and Out Loud Story Slam, local storytellers will share their own stories about learning things that only seem obvious with the benefit of hindsight. These stories are intended for adult listeners.

Join a virtual CreativiTea program featuring Origami Boxes on Thursday, December 17 at 6pm. Register at www.nols.org to receive a Zoom link and to reserve a craft kit for curbside pickup. Recommended for teens and adults.

Filling the time with reading, movies, and library programs may not be enough this winter. If you are struggling with your mental health, please reach out for help. 24-hour telephone crisis service is available through the Salish Regional Crisis Line at 1-888-910-0416. Online chat is available at www.imhurting.org.

For your library needs, staff are available by phone at 360.683.1161 or email Discover@nols.org. Library services are currently offered through curbside and staff are available to help connect you to the resources you need as well as your next favorite read. Don’t hesitate to reach out– we look forward to connecting with you!