Get in the holiday spirit at the New Orleans Public Library’s seasonal events for all ages at Library locations across the city. Plus, with tons of music, movies, books, and more, we’ve got everything you need to get ready for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or whatever you family is celebrating this winter.
Planning your holiday menu? In addition to the countless cookbooks in the Library’s lending collection, cardholders can access new recipes in popular food publications like Bon Appetit, Good Housekeeping, Food & Wine, and more on Flipster, a digital newsstand featuring full issues of dozens of magazines, newspapers, and journals.
To get your holiday music fix, check out Freegal, a music streaming service that Library cardholders can access for free. With a vast collection of playlists, albums, and more, it’s a great way to listen to your favorite tunes for free.
Searching for a free way to watch holiday movies? With two free streaming services, Kanopy and hoopla, cardholders can access yuletide classics and contemporary holiday movies anytime, anywhere.
Plus, if you’re traveling for the holidays, the Library’s extensive e-book and audiobook collections on Libby and hoopla are a great way to stay entertained on your flight or road trip.
Looking for a cozy read to snuggle up with? Check out these staff recommendations for all ages below:
Looking for even more seasonal reads? With our Book Bundle service, you can discover new titles and save time on browsing. Call any location, ask a Librarian, or fill out the form below to request a Book Bundle based on any topic or author that you’re interested in. Then, Library staff will create a bundle of 2 – 5 books and place them on hold at your preferred Library location.
In addition to books, your New Orleans Public Library grants access to thousands of DVDs, including beloved holiday classics. Not sure where to start? Check out staff recommendations for what to watch this winter below:
Kwanzaa was created in the 1960s by Doctor Maulana Karenga, who established the holiday as a way for people of the African diaspora to celebrate their connection with Africa. Once a celebrated civil rights leader, Dr. Karenga later became embroiled in scandal and the diaspora has since separated the holiday from his controversy. Over the past six decades, Kwanzaa observers have expanded it into a beautiful time to celebrate Blackness, community development, and familyhood.
Kwanzaa is a joyous holiday filled with love, support, revelry, and reflection. To make your Kwanzaa even better check out these recommendations from Shukrani Gray, head of access and opportunities at the Library, and REACH Center staff Kim Coleman and Tiara Clover:
Whether you’re creating homemade gifts, putting up festive decorations, or looking to up your present-wrapping game, the holidays are a perfect time to flex your crafting skills. New Orleans Public Library cardholders get unlimited access to Creativebug, an online collection of more than 1,000 award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists.
Take & Make Craft Kits are a great way for kids to play, learn, and create. This December, crafters can get kits to make homemade cards, boxes, and gift bags for the holidays. Families can pick up a craft kit for children to take and make at home. All Library locations have a limited number of craft kits containing an instruction sheet and items to create a craft. New crafts are available on the first Monday of each month. Additional supplies may be required and will be noted on the instruction sheet.
Share your creations with us by tagging our social accounts @nolalibrary or email impact@nolalibrary.org.
May is Asian Pacific American Heritage Month and to celebrate, we’re taking a look through our City Archives & Special Collections to honor the history and heritage of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the New Orleans area.
View the winning entries of the 2026 Black History Month Art Contest.
Celebrate Free Comic Book Day, Saturday, May 2nd, with the New Orleans Public Library. Visit any Library location to get a free comic and check out our collection of graphic novels and manga. Plus, enter our raffle to win a selection of new graphic novels – winners announced on May 8th.
