Word From Elburn: Come in from the cold to enjoy great library programs

The 21st of December marks the official start of winter, signaling short days and cold weather. The Town and Country Public Library offers respite from the darkness and plummeting temperatures with warmth, good reads, free Keurig coffee and excellent programs. The library is encouraging activity for kids and adults this season with special programs. Exercise, knowledge and personal growth are all key aspects of library programming throughout the winter.

While frosty conditions put a damper on outdoor fun, the library is offering a chance for engaging indoor recreation with the return of their popular Nerf Battle Night on Jan. 5. This night is comprised of two separate sessions: 5 to 8 year olds are welcome from 5 to 6 p.m. while ages 10 and up will have their own battle from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. While the library will supply extra darts and safety glasses, children can bring their own Nerf blaster and darts to this fight. Snacks and beverages will also be served at this free, lively Nerf battle.

Starting in January, children will also have the opportunity to learn Spanish at the weekly Spanish Storytime series. Beginning Jan. 17 and continuing at 10 a.m. every Wednesday, Spanish instructor Silvana King provides an immersive Spanish experience through interactive stories, vocabulary building songs and engaging games. Spanish Storytime is sure to benefit the linguistic skills of children of any age, so make sure to sign up and reserve a seat at this enriching new program.

Thanks in part to the wild popularity of the musical "Hamilton," the story of Alexander Hamilton is enjoying renewed investigation and interest. In keeping with this trend, historian and performer Terry Lynch is coming to the library at 1 p.m. Jan. 15 to present "Alexander Hamilton: The American Rags to Riches Story." This presentation will illuminate the fascinating life story of Hamilton, from being orphaned in the Caribbean as a child all the way to becoming a renowned founding father of the United States of America. Refreshments and snacks will also be provided at this riveting historical presentation.

The library is pleased to announce a partnership with the therapeutic specialists at Om Sweet Om that will begin in early 2018. This partnership is a free five-part series that will uncover and explore the many benefits of holistic wellness, an emergent health approach that focuses on the whole self to alleviate harmful symptoms. The first holistic wellness class is an intuitive introduction to meditation at 7 p.m. Jan. 11. The second class delves into the healthy and fragrant world of aromatherapy and essential oils at 7 p.m. Jan. 25. Each of these programs are helpful, healthful and completely free.

The library has just rolled out a brand new online payment system for events and classes. Patrons no longer have to physically come to the circulation desk in order to pay for popular programming, like felting and computer classes. Instead, patrons have the option to pay through PayPal when signing up for an event on the library's online calendar. Only payment information is required, which means there is no need to create a PayPal account or subscribe to any service. While most library programs are free of charge, this new payment system makes signing up for paid classes easier than ever.

Connor Wilcox is the communications coordinator for the Town and Country Public Library. The Word from Elburn column runs the third Thursday of each month. Feedback can be sent to editorial@kcchronicle.com.