Westerly Sun Column | Celebrating the Danish Tradition of ‘Hygge’

As someone who spends her days alternating between oversized librarian-cardigans at work and my precious wearable blanket at home, I can’t think of anything better than feeling gloriously comfy and cozy. I’m not the only one in my house, either: even my cat has taken to crawling under the covers in the evening to cuddle against the warmth of my leg! Given the colder-than-normal temperatures we’ve been dealing with recently, I think it’s high time we treat ourselves to a little extra “coziness” … which is why we’re spending this week celebrating the Danish tradition of “Hygge” at the library!

The concept of Hygge is nearly as difficult to put into words as it is to actually SAY the word. Pronounced “Hoo-guh”, it’s all about embracing the simple pleasures of comfort, coziness, and quiet joy. The fact that it sounds so similar to the English word “hug” is fitting (and, likely, not coincidental) as Hygge has been described by some as being similar to the feeling of a hug, without the physical touch. It could be spending an evening with loved ones next to a campfire, or reading a book while snuggled up with a warm beverage — or a cat! For us at the library, Hygge is found through soothing crafts, hot chocolate, and warm comfort food shared with friends. We have all of these activities planned this week, and we hope you’ll join us.

On Wednesday from 4 to 5 p.m., kids are invited to take part in our Playdough Palooza. We will have various colors of homemade playdough (made with love by our Children’s Librarian, AND with baby oil, making it extra soothing to play with) for a wonderful, sensory-friendly playtime. On Wednesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m., we are holding a Hygge-themed Cookbook Club meeting for adults and families. Attendees bring a dish they have prepared from the cookbook “Jamie Oliver’s Comfort Food” (copies available for checkout at the library), and we all share a meal together while discussing the recipes. It is sure to be a delicious and delightful evening, but we ask that you register in advance by contacting reference@westerlylibrary.org.

On Friday morning, you are welcome to pop in to The Coy, where we will have free hot chocolate beginning at 9 a.m., while supplies last. We will also put out jigsaw and word puzzles in the Old Main Reading Room, so you can lounge in a comfortable chair with your warm treat, and enjoy a few minutes of quiet with the puzzles.

Finally, on Saturday, we’re excited for our Drop-in Tile Decorating program, which will take place in the Makerspace. This is a great craft for all ages, and you can enjoy it whether or not you have artistic prowess! Paint and markers will be provided to decorate the tiles (which can later be used as coasters), as well as templates to help you out or simply offer inspiration.

Please join us for some — or all — of the above activities, or take some time to practice “Hygge” at home this week!

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian