Get that Hygge feeling at Oshkosh Public Library

Finding it difficult to get that cozy and contented feeling during the recent Wisconsin cold snap? The Oshkosh Public Library can help battle the winter blues by sharing a taste of the Hygge life.

Hygge (pronounced hue-guh) is a Danish concept, defined as “A quality of coziness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being.” Besides atmosphere and cuisine, it also includes finding ways to enjoy the outdoors. During January and February, the library will offer a suite of programs that bring on that Hygge feeling.

“For some of us out here on the frozen tundra, the struggle to get through a Midwest winter is real,” says Sandy Toland, the adult programming coordinator at the library. “By offering some “how-to” programs, along with opportunities to drop in and enjoy some cozy times at the library, we can help people find ways to enjoy the winter months and experience a feeling of community with others on that same quest.”

While Hygge has been a key part of Danish culture since the early 1800s, it started gaining traction elsewhere over the past several years, with an increase in books and articles published on the topic and plenty of buzz via Pinterest, Instagram and Twitter.

Hygge happenings at the Oshkosh Public Library include:

What’s Cooking Cookbook Club

Feb. 14 - Chocolate

Check out a library cookbook, make a dish to sample and bring copies of your recipe to share. Starts at 6 p.m.

Get Hygge with It (3 sessions)

Jan. 14; Feb. 10 & 24

The library can help you enjoy life's simple pleasures. Hot chocolate, comfy space, soothing music and a good book. Experience a taste of the Hygge life! Drop in from 1-5 p.m.

Scents of the Season

Wed., Jan. 17 at 6 p.m.

Hear tricks and tips for using herbs to brighten up your winter.

DIY for Adults (4th Tuesday of the month)

Jan. 23 – Decorate a mug and get meal-in-a-mug recipes.

Feb. 27 – Bath salts and other spa products.

Starts at 6 p.m. Supplies provided. Registration required. Call 236-5205.

Luging for Loungers

Thurs., Feb. 15; 5-7:30 p.m.

The Winter Olympics brings out the couch-lete in all of us. Come to the library and go for the gold with Wii Sports.

Sayonara PyeongChang

Sun., Feb. 25

1-4:30 p.m.

This closing ceremony celebration for teens and adults gives you one more day of friendly competition before we say “sayonara’ to PyeongChang and the Winter 2018 Olympics.

For more information visit www.oshkoshpubliclibrary.org