Today is the winter solstice. The exact time of the solstice this year is 11:19 p.m.

So, light a candle and revel in the knowledge that in three days, the axial tilt of the Earth will start to realign with the sun in such a way that it will steadily appear to move north along the eastern horizon at sunrise, each day bringing more sunlight and warmth to the northern hemisphere.

This is the first day of winter, and the first step toward spring.

The library’s Fine Forgiveness Holiday Food Drive continues until Monday, Dec. 30. This food drive helps stock the Clark County Homeless Coalition pantry.

Patrons with overdue fines can have $2 taken off their fines for every canned meat item donated to this drive.

The library is only accepting canned meat items for this drive. Each item must be clean, clearly-labeled and cannot be past the expiration date printed on the can.

You do not have to have a fine to donate to this program. All donations are welcome. If you have any questions about this food drive, call or visit the library.

Speaking of food, thanks to all the patrons who brought in goodies — cakes, pies, cookies and homemade candies to keep library staff buzzin’ on sugar through December.

A special thank you to Terri Tye who wrote the staff a beautiful appreciation letter. It’s that kind of encouragement that keeps the Clark County Public Library a swell place to visit.

Visit soon if you want to be sure to have all the books, bookazines, recordings and DVDs you need next week.

The library will be closed for the holidays Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week. The library will reopen at 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 27.

Return dates for all library materials are automatically adjusted by the checkout system so no materials are due on days the library is closed. You will not need to worry about returning materials on those dates.

Just a couple programs next week:

— At 11 a.m. Monday, All Over the Page Book Group discusses “Christmas Caramel Murder” by Joanne Fluke. Preparing for the town’s annual production of “A Christmas Carol,” Hannah supports her friend, Lisa, who is implicated in the murder of her husband’s ex-girlfriend. This cozy little mystery includes a dozen holiday-themed recipes. Books are available at the circulation desk.

-— From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 28, Outside the Lines Adult Coloring. Lots of adult colorers say it’s a great way to ex-stress yourself. If the holidays got you a little frazzled, come on in and soothe your psyche by coloring. On the other hand, an adult coloring group is also a great place to tell about the roaring good time you had over the holidays and to show off your new toys.

I’ll conclude this column with a wish you have just the holiday you want, from roaring good time to cozy, quiet nap.

Happy Holidays: (in chronological order) Solstice, Chanukah, Festivus, Christmas and Kwanzaa! If I missed yours, I apologize. Please, let me know.

After all, there’s always something new to learn at the library.

John Maruskin is director of adult services at the Clark County Public Library. He can be reached at john.clarkbooks@gmail.com.