The fall semester has come to a close, and winter break is here. Whether you want a podcast or audiobook for your travels, a book to read in front of the fireplace or a movie to share with your friends and family, the University Libraries is here to help.
The Library’s OverDrive collection includes a wide range of ebooks and audiobooks that you can enjoy anywhere, using your own device. During the winter season, there’s even a curated collection for when you want to Snuggle Up With a Cozy Read.
The Media & Design Center offers streaming access to thousands of documentaries and feature films. From cult classics to the critically acclaimed, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Finally, we asked Library staff for their best recommendations. Check out their picks below!
A Gentleman in Moscow
by Amor Towles
Recommended by Renèe Bosman, Head of Interlibrary Services
Taking place in post-revolutionary Russia, this novel tells the story of a Count who is under house arrest in an elegant hotel. The cold climate of the setting and a story that largely takes place indoors make this feel like a cozy winter read.
Winter’s Orbit
by Everina Maxwell
Recommended by Lauren Tomola, Knowledge Management Librarian
If you like science fiction and romance tangled together in one galaxy-spanning story, Winter’s Orbit is a great pick! It tells the story of the political marriage hastily arranged between Prince Kiem and the widower of his newly dead cousin as they try to keep an interstellar empire stable. The world-building is especially great — it really feels like an empire of clashing cultures!
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
Recommended by Nancy Lovas, Entrepreneurship & Business Librarian
In this cozy fantasy, the battle-weary orc Viv is hanging up her sword and starting fresh by opening the first ever coffee shop in the city of Thune. But old and new rivals stand in the way of success — not to mention the fact that no one has the faintest idea what coffee actually is…
A Charlie Brown Christmas Soundtrack
by Vince Guaraldi
Recommended by Steve Weiss, Interim Music Librarian
When it comes to holiday music, Vince Guaraldi’s original score to A Charlie Brown Christmas is as melancholy, sincere, funny, and classic as the Peanuts characters.
We Are the Champions
Recommended by Jillian MacKinnon, Graduate Assistant, Southern Historical Collection
This Netflix original narrated by Rainn Wilson showcases interesting, niche, and unique hobby competitions across the world in short episodes. Some episodes include cheese rolling, chili pepper eating, dog dancing, and frog jumping competitions. It’s a wholesome and relaxing show!
Murder After Christmas by Rupert Latimer
Recommended by David Romani, Linux System Administrator
If you love Golden Age mystery novels, The British Library’s Crime Classics series is now at 120 books and counting. Murder After Christmas, originally from 1936, was their release for the holidays last year.
Sparks & Bainbridge Mystery series by Allison Montclair
Recommended by Thuy-Anh Dang, Media Resources Cataloger
A happy, cozy combination of mystery and historical fiction, set in post-World War II London. The protagonists are two professional matchmakers/private investigators with Sherlock Holmes-esque skills and complexly fragile selves.
Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret directed by Kelly Fremon Craig
Recommended by Todd Smith, UX Research and Design Librarian
A coming-of-age story about a young girl navigating a new life after her family moves to a New Jersey suburb. It’s a heartwarming story of family, growing up, and connection.
The Librarianist by Patrick deWitt
Recommended by Abby Oldt, Microforms and Government Documents Student Assistant
A perfect book to read while snowed in, The Librarianist follows the story of an introverted, retired librarian who happens across an unusual reminder of his past.
The Widows of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey
Recommended by Carrie Baldwin-SoRelle, Health Sciences Librarian & Liaison to Gillings School of Global Health
Set in 1920s India, this is the first book in a historical mystery series that follows the fictional first female solicitor in Bombay. Perveen Mistry is a great character, and the series is full of richly described settings, with lots of warmth to distract readers from any chill outside.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening by Robert Frost
Recommended by Michele Hayslett, Data Services Librarian
Frost shows his evocation of both the solstice and a dark time of the heart turning back towards life.
The Holdovers
Recommended by Winifred Metz, Media Librarian & Head, Media & Design Center
Brilliantly acted with a rich visual aesthetic, this quietly wry to wrenching drama about three people stuck at a snowy New England boarding school over winter break will stay with you long after the closing credits.
