Baby, it’s cold outside! So cold that you just want to stay put. But eventually you just NEED to get out of the house for a spell. Where can you go that you’ll be welcome, and still stay warm?

*I thoroughly recommend – the public library. Libraries are warm (or at least, as warm as anyplace else). You can just sit quietly in the library, and read a book, or a magazine, or a newspaper, and nobody bothers you, or asks what your business is, or criticizes what you’ve chosen to read, or tells you to move along. Most of them have tables and chairs, (like in study hall) but most of them also have comfortable armchairs.

*Most of them have computers available, and/or have wifi if you bring your own laptop.

*I think that all of them have spaces for kids, along with vast collections of books for kids down to baby age. Check the schedule, then take in story hour or other children’s activities. Some libraries also have grown-up book discussions, knitting classes – you name it.

*Libraries even have rest rooms. And you can walk into any public library in America, plonk yourself down, and enjoy the amenities.

*Just about any library is a really cool place, but some have a little something extra.

*Dormann Library in Bath has its own cafe. Enjoy a coffee, chai, or hot chocolate while you’re visiting. Do your reading at a cafe table, or chat with another patron. Get a smoothie, or even a light sandwich.

*Check the schedule, and bring the kids to meet the tail-wagging tutors… dogs who come in to encourage reading. Dormann also has artwork both historical and contemporary.

*Steele Memorial Library in Elmira has ongoing exhibits, and a giant chess set you can use.

*Modeste Bedient Library in Branchport looks out onto a nature preserve, and the West Branch of Keuka Lake.

*Penn Yan Public Library has hot water, tea bags, and instant coffee.

*The Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County has a secret room (honest!) for children, along with a remarkable doll collection.

*The libraries in Hammondsport and Henrietta have regularly-open book-sale rooms (check for hours).

*Upstairs over the Southeast Steuben Library in Corning is the Nonnie Hood Parent Resource Center, which “helps families with young children play, learn, and connect with others in a welcoming and encouraging environment.”

*At Corning you can even go out and skate, THEN come in and get warm.

*Even the smallest and simplest library can be a really cool place. With a warm welcome.