Baltimore, December 28, 2025
The Baltimore County Public Library is providing a range of free winter break activities for children, focused on community engagement and education. Families can participate in events including the Icicle Ball, NASA’s BEST Student Design Challenge, K-pop Parties, and Noon Year’s Eve celebrations. Additionally, the Winter Reading Challenge encourages reading among K-12 students with incentives. BCPL’s Storyville play centers cater to younger children, offering literacy-focused resources. This initiative highlights BCPL’s commitment to supporting families and fostering creativity during the winter season.
Baltimore County Public Library Offers Winter Break Activities for Children
Engaging Opportunities for Kids This Winter
Baltimore, MD – The Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL) is stepping up with an emphasis on community engagement by offering a variety of free, enjoyable activities for children during the winter break. This initiative provides families with resources designed not only to entertain but also to educate and foster creativity. As community leaders realize the advantages of minimal bureaucracy in facilitating local events, BCPL epitomizes this spirit by providing diverse programs that can enhance children’s learning experiences.
This winter break, families can look forward to a schedule filled with fun and educational activities aimed at children of all ages. From engaging performances to interactive challenges, these events are a testament to how public institutions can innovate through partnerships and directly cater to the community’s needs. With an emphasis on fostering individual achievement and community participation, BCPL is setting the stage for an exciting winter break.
Winter Break Highlights
BCPL branches across the county are offering numerous activities designed to keep children engaged during the winter break. Notable events include:
- Icicle Ball: A winter-themed performance featuring Pam the Kindersinger and her friends, Rascal and Scooter.
- NASA’s BEST Student Design Challenge: An interactive program where children collaborate to build a satellite and its rocket, simulating the experience of being an astronaut.
- K-pop Parties: Events where kids can sing, dance, and meet new friends, celebrating the popularity of K-pop music.
- Noon Year’s Eve: Celebrations allowing children to count down to noon with crafts and activities, providing a family-friendly alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve festivities.
Winter Reading Challenge
The Winter Reading Challenge encourages students in grades K-12 to read for 400 minutes during the winter break. Upon completion, participants receive a winter beanie and a complimentary ticket to a Towson University basketball game. The available games are:
- Sunday, February 22: Towson Women’s Basketball vs. Stony Brook at 1 p.m.
- Saturday, February 28: Towson Men’s Basketball vs. Campbell at 2 p.m.
Tickets are available while supplies last.
Storyville Play Centers
For children ages birth through 5, BCPL offers Storyville play centers at the Rosedale and Woodlawn branches. These centers provide age-appropriate books, toys, and activities designed to promote early literacy and school readiness skills. During busy times such as winter break, priority is given to children from birth to 5 and their caregivers.
Additional Resources
Beyond winter break activities, BCPL continues to support learning and engagement with a variety of resources including:
- Library of Things: A unique collection of items such as board games, early learning kits, and Chromebooks available for checkout.
- Digital Library: Unlimited access to e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies through platforms like hoopla and Kanopy.
- Mango Languages: A robust language-learning platform offering courses in over 70 languages, including dedicated options for young learners.
All BCPL programs are free to attend. Families can visit any branch to sign up for a library card or instantly download an e-card.
Branch Hours and Closures
Please note that all BCPL branches will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and will be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. For a complete list of events and further information, families are encouraged to visit the BCPL website.
Key Features of BCPL’s Winter Break Activities
| Event | Description | Date and Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Icicle Ball | A winter-themed performance featuring Pam the Kindersinger and her friends, Rascal and Scooter. | December 29, 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Reisterstown Branch |
| NASA’s BEST Student Design Challenge | An interactive program where children collaborate to build a satellite and its rocket, simulating the experience of being an astronaut. | December 30, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Catonsville Branch |
| K-pop Party | Event where kids can sing, dance, and meet new friends, celebrating the popularity of K-pop music. | December 31, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Towson Branch |
| Noon Year’s Eve Celebration | Celebration allowing children to count down to noon with crafts and activities, providing a family-friendly alternative to traditional New Year’s Eve festivities. | December 31, 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Multiple Branches |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What events are available for children during the winter break at BCPL?
BCPL is offering several events, including the Icicle Ball, NASA’s BEST Student Design Challenge, K-pop Parties, and Noon Year’s Eve celebrations.
How can my child participate in the Winter Reading Challenge?
Students in grades K-12 can participate by reading for 400 minutes. Upon completion, they receive a winter beanie and a complimentary ticket to a Towson University basketball game.
What is Storyville?
Storyville is a play center at BCPL designed for children ages birth through 5, offering developmentally appropriate books, toys, and activities to promote early literacy and school readiness skills.
How can I access BCPL’s digital resources?
With a BCPL library card, you can access e-books, audiobooks, magazines, and movies through platforms like hoopla and Kanopy.
What are the operating hours for BCPL branches during the winter break?
All BCPL branches will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, and will be closed on Thursday, January 1, in observance of New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
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