…is actually a Christmas carol but Wellington’s certainly feeling it. Lots of rain and very cold! So what can you do to warm yourself up and keep the winter blues at bay?

Book cover courtesy of Syndetics1) Start a new book series.

I’m really enjoying Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi. I’m so excited that there will be more, it’s an amazing read. Want, by Cindy Pon, is a rather topical cyberpunk novel set in a futuristic Taipei. Scythe by Neil Shusterman is another book that deals with a dystopia but a very fresh take on a genre that’s getting slightly top heavy.

Book cover courtesy of Syndetics2) Re-read some old favourites.

The Book of Dust is the latest book set in Phillip Pullman’s Northern Light trilogy’s universe. But it might be worth picking up the original books first. Mortal Engines is another old series, but it’s getting a movie adaptation (trailer here), so well worth picking up. Lumberjanes is one of my favourite comic book series, and its summer setting is a comforting read when the weather outside is awful.

Book cover courtesy of Syndetics3) Binge a series

Avatar: the last Airbender is amazing; despite being released in 2005 it hasn’t dated and is still one of the most interesting, intelligent, and funny animated series ever. If you like your mysteries, we have Pretty Little Liars. If you like supernatural, then there’s The Vampire Diaries. We’ve also got movie franchises such as Marvel, DC and Star Wars.

Book cover courtesy of Syndetics4) Cook something delicious

Our YA collection is bursting with awesome cookbooks. Sam Stern is one of my favourites; his books are easy and accessible and I still use them.

5) Check out our digital resources

Not only do we have two awesome e-library resources where you can get both audiobooks and e-books – Borrowbox and Overdrive – we’ve got a ton of other cool sites for you to look at. Lynda.com is full of courses where you can learn things like digital photography and building websites. ComicsPlus has, surprisingly, an amazing collection of comics for you to peruse. Head over to my gateway to see more.