Cozy, Connected, and Creative: Supporting Community Through the Winter Months

About this episode

The episode discusses how Denton Public Library supports the community during winter through creative programming and services.

In this episode, host Katie Loomis of Texas Woman’s University explores how the Denton Public Library helps patrons beat the winter blues through creative programming and community-centered services. Guests Rebecca Ivey, Kerol Harrod, and WyLaina Polk share how seasonal initiatives—from the Winter Reading Challenge to partnerships with United Way and the Tarrant Area Food Bank—support learning, connection, and access during the colder months. The conversation highlights the library’s role as a warming station for unhoused community members, along with engaging offerings like Cozy Up and Cookies, outdoor story walks, special story times with Santa, and hands-on creativity in the library’s makerspace. They also discuss adult programming, bilingual story times, and the importance of outreach in building meaningful community connections. The episode closes with reflections on the library’s mission to strengthen relationships and serve as a welcoming “third place” for residents of all ages. Libraries Transform Texas is produced by Association Briefings .

People in this episode

Host: Katie Loomis

Guests: Rebecca Ivey, Kerol Harrod, WyLaina Polk

Topics covered

• community support
• winter programming
• library services
• creative initiatives
• outreach
• adult programming

Keywords

• winter blues
• community connection
• reading challenge
• story times
• makerspace
• bilingual programming

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Texas Woman’s University, Denton Public Library, United Way, Tarrant Area Food Bank

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