Hey there, Loft crew!
Winter Reading Began December 19!
Our Winter Reading program started last Friday, December 19 – you can track days that you read between then and Sunday, February 1. For every ten days that you log your reading, you’ll earn a virtual raffle ticket, which you can enter into prize drawings to win one of three cozy gift baskets. Like in past years, there will also be activities available for you get extra virtual raffle tickets – and each virtual raffle ticket comes with a physical waterproof sticker from our stash! Sign up and get logging now – if you’ve done a reading program with us before, you already have an account!
Cozy Beverage Basket
Contains a stuffed walrus (like our mascot Winston), a penguin thermos, a fuzzy cozy blanket, two hot cocoa samplers, fuzzy socks, a package of stickers, a tea sampler, warm fingerless mittens, and a voucher for three bonus teen prize books.
Cozy Night In Basket
Contains a stuffed walrus (like our mascot Winston), a penguin thermos, an indoor s’mores kit (includes an electric roaster), rechargeable handwarmers, Traitor Tots (a hot potato card game of sabotage and betrayal), Pass the Pigs (a hilarious pig-rolling dice game), Road Trip Mysteries (a series of cold cases to solve on the go), a hot cocoa variety pack, and a voucher for three bonus teen prize books.
Cozy Reading Basket
Contains a stuffed walrus (like our mascot Winston), a fuzzy cozy blanket, fuzzy socks, a rechargeable reading light, a tiny bookshelf with miniature books, a classical library-scented candle, a mini book capsule, a package of stickers, a To Be Read books jar, a pack of bookish stickers, and a voucher for three bonus prize books.
Most Popular Checkouts of 2025
Curious what everyone’s been reading this year? We pulled together the top checkouts for middle school, high school, and the books both are obsessed with. Whether you’re looking for your next read or just want to see if your favorite made the list. You just might find your next obsession! 👀
Library News
- Have you peeped our Winter Newsletter? In it, you can learn about the library’s next chapter as well as get some great programs down on your calendar.
- Thanks to the Maine East High School’s Health 4 Humanity Club for collecting hygiene products for people in need, and the Maine South Key Club for their work with in-person tech support at our Drop-In Help Desk (continuing in January & February).
- The Library will be closed on December 24-25 and December 31-January 1.
- The Teen Loft will open at 11 a.m. on December 22-23, 26, 29-30, and January 2.
- We have clicky & squishy fidgets in the Loft to borrow!
Set a Reminder… ✨
Mid-December can be a weird mix of chill and chaos – you’re trying to enjoy the last bits of the semester, the weather can’t make up its mind, and everyone’s juggling holiday and vacation plans on top of finals. It’s almost time to relax for real, but not quite yet. Good thing we’ve got some fun programs to help you unwind, recharge, and power through the end-of-semester rush!
- Low Stakes Game Afternoon – Friday, December 26, 3-5 p.m.
Come join us for a chill afternoon of gaming! We’ll have Uno, Jenga, Clue, and other games to choose from as well as snacks. Grades 6-12. - Winter White Landscape Art – Monday, December 29, 3-4:30 p.m.
Attendees will draw a solitary cottage snowscape in white pencil on black paper. Fill it with fanciful trees and add a wintry sentiment in text. Presented by Terri Murphy. Grades 6-12. - Teen Take & Create: Snow People – Monday, January 5, while supplies last
Stop by the Loft to pick up a bag of supplies, then take your kit home, or work on it in the Library! Some at-home supplies may be needed and are available to borrow if crafting in the Loft. Grades 6-12. - T(w)eens in the Studio: Recycled Book Snowflakes – Tuesday, January 6, 4:30-5:30 p.m.
Join us and get crafty in the Library’s makerspace! All supplies provided. Registration opens one week before the event, and space is limited. Events are limited to Park Ridge cardholders. To register, you must have your Park Ridge Library card in good standing. Grades 6-12. - T(w)een Advisory Board – Wednesday, January 7, 4-5 p.m.
Got ideas? Come hang out, share your thoughts, and help shape what’s happening this spring. We’ll plan events, brainstorm new stuff, and talk about what you want to see at the library. It’s a chill way to make a real impact – and yes, there will be snacks. Grades 6-12. - Trivia: The Hunger Games – Friday, January 9, 4-5 p.m.
Are you a Hunger Games expert? Put your knowledge to the test by answering a range of questions about the books and movies. You might become the next trivia victor – and may the odds be ever in your favor! Grades 7-12.
It’s not hard to register, just click the link for each program to sign up & we’ll see you there! Find our full calendar here.
The Loft is better with you in it. Come by soon—we’ll save you a spot. ✨
— Your Library Teen Team 💛
As always, you can share your feedback with us here – we’d love to hear your Lofty thoughts!
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Hey! If you’ve made it all the way to the end of this issue, you’re a superstar. Tell the staff person at the Loft desk you read the whole issue & you can pick out a sticker from our stash.
