The library will close on Tuesday, December 24th at noon and stay closed through Wednesday, December 25th for Christmas

Memorial Hall Library

Hygge for All

Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) is a Danish concept encompassing coziness and the small comforts of life.  The concept was popularized in the US in 2017, with the publication of The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking.  This winter, with more people spending more time at home, increasing hygge can offer a way we might make the most of more time spent at home.  What hygge means to you will vary slightly depending on your personal preferences, but from cooking comfort foods, desserts, and hot drinks to engaging in a creative pursuit and curling up with a good book or movie, Memorial Hall has the resources to help achieve your own version of hygge.  Check out the books below for ideas of where to get started, or browse our catalog, Overdrive collection, or Hoopla offerings for books and movies on your favorite topics.  Plus, if you're looking to increase your hygge quotient with (virtual) community events, check out the library's online events for all ages.

The little book of hygge : Danish secrets to happy living
The little book of hygge : Danish secrets to happy living
by Meik Wiking

A guide to the Danish philosophy of well-being shares advice and ideas for taking healthy breaks, living in the moment, creating positive atmospheres, building relationships, and finding the richness of life in everyday small comforts.

Also available as an e-booke-audiobook in Overdrive and as an e-book and e-audiobook in Hoopla.
Modern comfort food : a Barefoot Contessa cookbook
Modern comfort food : a Barefoot Contessa cookbook
by Ina Garten

A collection of eighty-five all-new recipes by the James Beard Award-winning host of the Emmy Award-winning Food Network series features comforting twists on childhood favorites, including cheesy chicken enchiladas, tomato and goat cheese crostata, and banana rum trifle.

Also available as an e-book in Overdrive.
The best comfort food on the planet
The best comfort food on the planet
by Kerry Altiero

Shares a collection of comfort food recipes with a twist that are served up at Rockland, Maine's Cafe Miranda, including such options as black bean soup, lobster mac 'n cheese, pot roast bleu, haddock enchilada, and oven-roasted fish tacos
Jamie Oliver's comfort food : the ultimate weekend cookbook
Jamie Oliver's comfort food : the ultimate weekend cookbook
by Jamie Oliver

From moussaka and gyoza with crispy wings and ramen to sticky toffee pudding and eggs Benedict, one of the world's best-loved television personalities brings together 100 recipes from around the world that celebrate the beauty of good food and the joy of cooking. 
New world sourdough : artisan techniques for creative homemade fermented breads : with recipes for birote, bagels, pan de coco, beignets, and more
New world sourdough : artisan techniques for creative homemade fermented breads : with recipes for birote, bagels, pan de coco, beignets, and more
by Bryan Ford

New World Sourdough teaches handmade artisan bread baking for beginner to intermediate home bakers who want to learn how to bake fermented breads at home with New World twists.

Also available as an e-book in Hoopla and as an e-book in Overdrive.
The perfect cookie : your ultimate guide to foolproof cookies, brownies & bars
The perfect cookie : your ultimate guide to foolproof cookies, brownies & bars
by America's Test Kitchen

Drawing on many years of cookie-baking knowledge, America’s Test Kitchen breaks down key steps and recipe techniques in a comprehensive cookbook that features recipes for a vast array of decadent delights, including classic chewy oatmeal cookies, spumoni bars, chocolate turtle cookies, and many more.

Also available as an e-book in Overdrive.
Baking at the 20th Century Cafe : iconic European desserts from linzer torte to honey cake
Baking at the 20th Century Cafe : iconic European desserts from linzer torte to honey cake
by Michelle Polzine

The pastry chef owner of San Francisco’s popular 20th Century Café shares 75 modern recipes based on the foundational desserts of numerous cultures, from pierogi and potato knishes to walnut hamantaschen, poppy-filled rugelach, and vanilla cheesecake. 

Also available as an e-book in Hoopla.
Coffee and cake : enjoy the perfect cup of coffee, with dozens of delectable recipes for cafè treats
Coffee and cake : enjoy the perfect cup of coffee, with dozens of delectable recipes for cafè treats
by Rick Rodgers

A chef and author supports his claim that the best way to enjoy coffee is with a sweet treat and provides tips and instructions for roasting the perfect cup and also recipes for complimentary cakes and desserts.
The art and craft of tea : an enthusiast's guide to selecting, brewing, and serving exquisite tea
The art and craft of tea : an enthusiast's guide to selecting, brewing, and serving exquisite tea
by Joseph Uhl

Entrepreneur and enthusiast Joseph Wesley Uhl brings to the story of tea its due reverence, making its history, traditions, and possibilities accessible to all. If you want to go beyond reading and enter your kitchen, Joseph offers "recipes" for creating your own tea blends using natural ingredients. Inside you'll find: a detailed overview of tea's history and origins, thoughtful descriptions of global brewing methods, and innovative ideas for iced tea, tea cocktails, and DIY blends.

Also available as an e-book in Hoopla.
Beeswax Alchemy : how to make your own candles, soap, balms, salves, and home décor from the hive
Beeswax Alchemy : how to make your own candles, soap, balms, salves, and home décor from the hive
by Petra Ahnert

Offers a basic introduction to the art of extracting and purifying beeswax, as well as countless ideas for what to make with it. These include skin care creams, candles, and other home products like beeswax ornaments and wax fabric.

Also available as an e-book in Hoopla.
Creative cut cards : 35 greeting cards for every occasion
Creative cut cards : 35 greeting cards for every occasion
by Lark Crafts

Shares tips, techniques, and instructions for creating hand-cut greeting cards for any occasion
Faerie knitting : 14 tales of love and magic
Faerie knitting : 14 tales of love and magic
by Lisa Hoffman

Gorgeous knitwear meets inspired fairy tales with Alice Hoffman and Lisa Hoffman's Faerie Knitting. Each of the 14 projects from knitwear designer and knitting instructor Lisa Hoffman is inspired by and paired with an original fairy tale by New York Times bestselling author Alice Hoffman. From the Blue Heron Shawl and the Love Never Ending Cowl to the Three Wishes Mittens and Amulet Necklace, each of Lisa's projects feature clear, easy-to-follow instructions and gorgeous 4-color photography that perfectly capture the essence of Alice's signature, magical stories.

Also available as an e-audiobook (with a PDF of the patterns) in Hoopla.
Knit your own cat : easy-to-follow patterns for 16 frisky felines
Knit your own cat : easy-to-follow patterns for 16 frisky felines
by Sally Muir

This irresistible book is full of simple patterns to create your very own knitted cat. Choose from the pretty Persian, the sleek Siamese, the traditional Tabby, or over a dozen other breeds!
Knit your own dog : easy-to-follow patterns for 25 pedigree pooches
Knit your own dog : easy-to-follow patterns for 25 pedigree pooches
by Sally Muir

In a crafting book for the dog lover, the authors provide step-by-step instructions and patterns to make a series of canine creations.
Crochet one-skein wonders : 101 projects from crocheters around the world
Crochet one-skein wonders : 101 projects from crocheters around the world
by Judith Durant

More than one hundred crochet patterns organized by fiber weight.

Also available as an e-book in Hoopla and as an e-book in Overdrive.
Quick crochet for the home : 20 fast projects to liven up every room
Quick crochet for the home : 20 fast projects to liven up every room
by Tamara Kelly

Provides patterns for twenty quick-to-crochet projects for the home, including coasters, dishcloths, seat covers, throws, blankets, and bookends.
Amigurumi
Amigurumi
by Lan-Anh Bui

Offers basic information about amigurumi, the art of crocheting toy stuffed animals, and features projects for different creatures that consist of color photographs and instructions.
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