Cabin Fever Cure: Check Out Programs At Sussex County's Libraries

SUSSEX COUNTY, NJ — Looking for something new and interesting to do —and in some cases — without leaving home?

The Sussex County Library System is offering many programs throughout the month of February — some virtual — for all ages.

Here are a few of them:

Celebrate Snapshot Month — Starting Tuesday and through Feb. 28, celebrate “Snapshot Month” by ending pictures plus stories of your family at one of Sussex County’s libraries, for the chance to win a waterproof camera. Send photos to sussexsocial@sussexcountylibrary.org. Find out more information here.

World Read Aloud Day Zoom Celebration — Feb. 2 from 5 to 6 p.m. For ages 5 and older, take part in a special Zoom event, with local storytellers, to celebrate World Read Aloud Day. Sign up here.

The Amazing and Free Family Search — Feb. 3 from 7 to 8 p.m. Register on Zoom here to learn with professional genealogist Elyse Ross how to harness FamilySearch.org, to research your family roots.

Minecraft Club — Feb. 4 from 3 to 5 p.m. For ages 10 to 15 and limited to 10 players. There is a safe realm through the Sussex xCounty Library’s Teen Discord. Register here.

Take Your Child To The Library Day — Feb. 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Main Library, 125 Morris Turnpike, Newton (Frankford Township). The library event has coloring pages and activity sheets. Learn more about the library’s upcoming family reading program “Read Your Way Across the USA.” A fun reading journey for families to explore the United States.

Be My Valentine Adult Holiday Card Take and Make — Feb 7-12. For teens and adults. Visit the Dorothy Henry Library at 66 Route 94 in Vernon to grab supplies to make Valentine’s Day cards. Find out more here.

I Heart Take & Makes! — Feb. 7-10. For ages 5 and up. There are special crafts, including a beaded heart ornament for younger children. A paper quilling art project is for tweens and teens. While supplies last. Learn more here.

Kindercooks via Zoom — Feb. 7 from 4 to 5 p.m. For grades 1 through 3. Learn a new recipe and kitchen basics. Adult supervision recommended. Click here to register.

Read to a Dog — Feb. 9 from 6 to 7 p.m. For ages 5 and older. Read to pups Barra and Harris at the Sussex-Wantage Library at 69 Route 639 in Wantage. Find out more here and call to register at 973-875-3940.

Mindful Eating for Winter — Feb. 10 from 1 to 2 p.m. This free Zoom program with Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Linda Buckley helps teach mindful eating techniques. Register here by Feb. 10 before the event.

Make A Snowman Box — Feb. 10 from 4 to 5 p.m. For ages 5 and older. Registration begins Tuesday to create a winter-themed box, either at the Franklin Library on 103 Main St. or to take home. Sign up here.

Let the Games Begin! A History of the Winter Olympics — Feb. 12 from 10 to 11 a.m. For grades 1 to 4, enjoy a Zoom program. Register here by Feb. 12.

Valentine’s Day Creation Station — Feb. 12 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For ages 3 and older, make Valentine’s Day cards at the Franklin Library on 103 Main St. More details here.

Hearts at Sussex Wantage — Feb. 13 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the children’s craft table for Valentine’s Day activities for ages 5 and older at the Sussex-Wantage Library on 69 Route 639.

Clifford Storytime — Norman Bridwell’s Birthday! - Feb. 15 from 12 to 1 p.m. For ages 3 and up, celebrate Clifford the Big Red Dog’s creator with stories on Zoom. Click here to register.

Cultural Cuisine For Kids — Feb. 16 from 5 to 6 p.m. For ages 5 and older. Register here up to Feb. 16 for a Zoom program with ShopRite Dietitian Kristen Burdzy. She’ll be exploring foods of Mexico and teaching how to make a tortilla soup.

Stretching Your Food Dollars and Using Coupons — Feb. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Lauren Sprich from Zufall Health Center plans to teach about money-saving strategies and about preparing “budget-friendly black bean brownies.” Register here on Zoom and to pick up the brownie kits.

Family Game Day — Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit the Sussex-Wantage Library at 69 Route 639, to use any of the library’s games. Registration is required here for the socially-distanced event.

Shoebox Art — Feb. 19 from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Bring a shoebox to the Main Library at 125 Morris Turnpike, Newton (Frankford Township). The library plans to supply all the decorations and tools for each family to make a special creation. Click here to register, beginning on Feb. 5.

Lemur Enrichment — Feb. 22 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Learn about lemurs during a Zoom chat with expert Kate Brynes with the Duke Lemur Center. Click here to register, starting Feb. 8.

Musical Journey Into Jazz — Feb. 23 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. An interactive Zoom event with “award-winning composer, pianist and guitarist, Matthew Fishteyn” in celebration of Black History Month. Register here beginning Feb. 9.

“The Dogs of Chernobyl: 35 Years Later, a Story of Hope and Resilience — Feb. 26 from 1 to 2 p.m. Stephen Quandt shares his experiences with visiting Chernobyl’s Exclusion Zone. Register here beginning Feb. 12.

See all events here or visit the Sussex County Library System's website at www.sussexcountylibrary.org.

Questions or comments about this story? Have a news tip? Contact me at: jennifer.miller@patch.com.