Library Lady’s K-12 Edition is a mostly weekly newsletter for K-12 school librarians. As things wind down before Christmas break, today’s topic will help you start thinking about January — Winter in the Library.
There will not be a K-12 Edition for the next two weeks due to the Christmas break. I may get some new book lists up so keep your eye on the blog.
Well-run libraries are filled with people because what a good library offers cannot be easily found elsewhere: an indoor public space in which you do not have to buy anything in order to stay.- Zadie Smith
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Tips from Library Lady
Cozy Winter Library Atmosphere (Low-Prep Decor Ideas)
Encourage librarians to create a calm, seasonal feel without going overboard.
- Paper Snowflakes & Window Art – Student-made snowflakes or simple winter silhouettes taped to windows instantly set the mood.
- “Warm Reads for Cold Days” Display – Pair your winter book list with mittens, scarves, mugs (plastic or paper), or faux snow.
- Winter Quote Garland – String together short winter- or reading-themed quotes from books around the library.
- Cool Blues & Whites Color Theme – Use tablecloths, signs, or book bins in winter colors instead of holiday-specific decor.
Winter Maker Space Ideas (Quiet & Library-Appropriate)
These are hands-on but still manageable in a library setting.
- Snowflake Engineering Challenge
Use paper, coffee filters, or cardstock to design snowflakes that must meet specific criteria (symmetry, size, strength). - Build a Winter Shelter
Use LEGO, cardboard, or recycled materials to design an animal shelter for winter survival. - Winter Bookmark Station
Create bookmarks with winter themes, book recommendations, or reading goals for the new year. - STEM: Ice & Insulation Challenge (No Ice Required!)
Have students design a “keep it warm” container using classroom-safe materials and discuss real-world winter problem-solving.
Winter-Themed Library Activities
Perfect for classes, centers, or flexible library visits.
- Winter Reading Bingo or Challenge – here’s one in my TpT store
Squares might include: read by a window, read a snowy setting book, read with a friend, read a nonfiction winter book. - Snowy Setting Writing Prompt Station – here’s some ready to print in my TpT store
Short prompts like “A snow day surprise in the library…” or “The coldest day ever…” - Winter Scavenger Hunt – here is a bundle of Scavenger Hunts in my TpT store
Find books with snow on the cover, animals in winter, cold-weather sports, or winter vocabulary in titles. - Book Pairing Activity
Pair a winter fiction title with a nonfiction book about weather, animals, or winter traditions.
Community & Connection Ideas
End the year on a warm, encouraging note.
- “My Favorite Winter Read” Wall – Students write or draw their favorite book and add it to a display.
- Kindness Snowflakes – Each snowflake includes a kind act students can do during the winter months.
- Library Countdown to Winter Break – A simple daily prompt (fun fact, joke, book suggestion) posted near the entrance.
Winter in the library doesn’t have to be elaborate—small, cozy touches and meaningful reading connections can make the space feel special during a busy season.
Here’s a list of Winter Books
Find Christmas book Lists here.
Read my reviews of Christmas titles.
Read Christmas – themed posts
| Need to do some fundraising for your library? Here are some posts on my blog which describe my fundraising camps. |
Recent Adult Book Reviews
Adult Review – Irish Rose Orphans’ Christmas – historical fiction
Recent YA Book Reviews
YA Spotlight – Sons of Day and Night – young adult fantasy
YA Review – Battle of Lion Rock – young adult dystopian
Recent MS Book Reviews
MS Spotlight – Book of Four Journeys – middle school fantasy
Recent Kid Book Reviews
Kid Review – Phooey Kerflooey vs. The Deep, Deep Dark – children’s chapter book
Kid Review – Heroes of Hebrews – children’s devotional
Library Lady Blog Posts – December Celebrations
Items in my Shop
Cute animals with books – stickers, shirts and more in my Redbubble Shop
What I’m Checking Out
Discover Winter Holidays Around the World With Your Class
22 New Year’s Activities for Students to Celebrate at School
Some things that might interest you
📚 Tools for School Librarians 📚
As librarians, we’re always looking for creative ways to engage students and enhance programming. These tools are easy to use. Explore them today and see how they might fit into your toolkit. These were created by a friend of mine and have great potential for helping you in your library programing.
No new tools today but my friend Marcy is having a Winter sale. Use coupon code winter68 from December 18-23rd. I am doing a category a day sale, to where we start off with GPt’s for 24 hours, then kids activity packs, then planners, then journals, then memberships! Today is GPT’s!
Authors and librarians, would you like to have a post on this blog?
I’d like to add a couple of features to my blog in the coming months and I’d like your help. I am looking for school librarians interested in being interviewed on the blog. I am also looking for librarians and children’s or young adult authors to do guest posts on the blog. Click on the links below to fill out a survey.
Is there a way I can help you? Drop a note in the comments or shoot me an email, I’d love to help.
See you next week.
Jane (Library Lady)
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