ACPL is Your Home Base During Winter Break

As students across Allen County gear up for winter break, the Allen County Public Library (ACPL) is rolling out a full slate of free activities designed to keep kids, teens, and families entertained while school is out. During Winter Break, families can explore a wide range of programs tailored to different age groups — from kindergarten through high school — ensuring that everyone can find something exciting to do during the holiday downtime. 

ACPL’s Main Library and branches will be open (excluding 12/24, 12/25, and 1/1), offering warm, welcoming spaces perfect for browsing books, discovering new movies and games, or participating in library programs. Whether a child loves art, stories, science, or just a fun reason to get out of the house, the library’s event lineup provides a screen-free way to make the most of winter break. 

“Winter break is a chance to slow down, reconnect, and make memories; but it can also leave families searching for free, safe, and enriching things to do. The library fills that gap,” said Beth Boatright, Director of Community Partnerships and Programs. “Our programs give kids a chance to play and connect in a welcoming, supportive, and safe place. We want caregivers to make ACPL their home base during the break.”  

Some highlighted Winter Break activities include: 

The Studios at the Library - Extended Hours: Enjoy more time to build, create, and work with high-tech equipment at the Main Library and Pontiac, Shawnee, and Hessen Cassel branches. 

Free Movies at the Main Library: See recent blockbusters “The Bad Guys 2” or “Freakier Friday” and enjoy a theater experience without the theater cost. 

Crafts for Every Age: Visit your local branch and create everything from pipe cleaner pets to penguin plushies to LEGO racers. You can even make toys for the animals at Humane Fort Wayne! 

Teen Hangouts: Get your teens away from their devices and meeting new friends that share their interests. Activities include structured Dungeons & Dragons adventures, yarn pull paintings for neurodivergent teens and Alphabet Club for LGBTQ+ teens and their allies/ caregivers. 

StoryScape: Toys, play structures, and books take center stage in these child-friendly spaces designed for playing, exploring, and burning energy! 

Video Games, Board Games, Puzzles, and more: Check out our extensive collection of engaging games to keep young minds engaged! 

With multiple locations and flexible hours, ACPL makes it easy for families to drop in for spontaneous fun or plan outings in advance. Parents can explore the full schedule online at acpl.info/events and filter to match their child’s age and interests.