Looking for fun activities this winter? The Library of Things (LOT) is an excellent starting point. Whether you want your children to learn new skills or are looking to boost family physical activity, many LOT items–available to check out with your library card–can help you achieve your goals. Check out a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activity to strengthen logical thought processes and problem-solving skills or try a board game from the library’s extensive collection to stimulate the brain areas responsible for memory and complex processing. Explore the Library of Things Board at the library or search the online catalog to find something that sounds fun to you.

This winter, there is enough snow to have fun outside. Snowshoes are available for youth and adults, and the library has some sleds, too. An exciting recent addition to the library collection is Minnesota State Park Passes. Check out a pass and explore state parks anywhere in Minnesota for seven days.

If you are looking for exercise but do not want to go outside, try the New Ulm Recreation Center. Thanks to a partnership with the New Ulm Recreation Center, the library now has family and single week passes available for checkout. You only need a library card, and they have a hot tub!

Check out a youth or adult puzzle to take home or help piece together one of the community puzzles at the puzzle table in the adult fiction area. Or try the “Magnetic US Puzzle Map” that helps kids develop hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. This is an interactive, fun way to learn to recognize state shapes and geography. Adults looking to up their puzzle game should check out the conversation puzzle. You won’t be able to assemble the puzzle until you answer the questions.

Playing chess exercises logical thinking and pattern recognition and develops other cognitive processes. In addition to having portable chess sets available for checkout, a community chess club meets at the library on Tuesdays at 6 p.m. All ages and skill levels are welcome to participate and registration is not required.

Listening to an audiobook during a long drive is a great way to pass the time and listening to books can help children learn how to read. One benefit is hearing the speech-patterns and rhythms not included in print. Additionally, because children can listen at a higher level than they can read, they are exposed to different words, boosting their vocabulary. The library offers audiobooks on CD, as well as digitally via Libby. The wildly popular Vox and Wonderbooks feature a recording attached to a printed book. Also good for car trips and inside play are the new Whazoodles, electronic learning tablets pre-loaded with educational games and activities.

See you at the library!

New Ulm Public Library is located at 17 North Broadway and is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.