Top Staff Picks for Your Perfect Cozy Day Activities

We’re in the part of the year where the weather is seesawing back and forth on a daily basis. But whether it’s a day for sitting in the sun with a book or curling under a blanket to watch a show, we’ve got some staff picks to help you out!

A colorful animated scene featuring two characters, one in red with a mustache, and the other in green, standing together in a playful setting.

The Super Mario Galaxy Movie

If 2023’s The Super Mario Bros. Movie is anything to go by, expect this sequel to be a massive hit. The voice cast all return with a few new additions, for another round of shameless fan service. It probably won’t win any awards for screenwriting, but if it’s as much of a family friendly blast as its predecessor that should be easy to overlook. – Sean Farrell

The word 'FRENCH' displayed prominently in blue against a dark textured background.

Tana French

If you’re in the mood for a smart, atmospheric mystery, Tana French is one of my favorites. Her books pair intricate plots with well-developed characters, and the focus is on the people —their motivations, secrets, and the ripple effects of crime. Set in various locales in Ireland, her writing can transport you.

It’s a great time to jump in, with her newest novel, The Keeper, just out. It’s the final book in her Cal Hooper trilogy, which begins with The Searcher and continued with The Hunter. The series follows a retired Chicago detective who moves to a quiet Irish village—only to discover that quiet doesn’t mean simple.

If you love following a series (me!), there’s another great option: the Dublin Murder Squad series. Each book centers on a different detective, which is a bit unique, and you get a new perspective every time, while still staying connected to the same universe and cases.

Whether you start with the Dublin Murder Squad or Cal Hooper, Tana French is one of my favorites. If you enjoy being immersed in a mystery, I urge you to check her out. Also, fantastic in audio, if that’s something you prefer. – Erin Brown

A close-up image of three individuals engaged in conversation, featuring a man with a beard on the left, a woman with blue braids in the center, and a man with dark skin on the right, all appearing to be in a relaxed outdoor setting.

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins

The creators of 30 Rock and Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt have given us another wonderful, quick-witted half hour series! Reggie Dinkins (played by Tracy Morgan) is a football has-been and is hoping to rise back to the top through a documentary, created by Arthur Tobin (played by Daniel Radcliffe). Since Dinkins lives in our state and is a Rutgers alumnus, the show includes lots of New Jersey and Rutgers humor. Wawa has been mentioned at least twice! Every character makes you happy they’re there, and every episode brings out full laughs. – Mary Ecklund

A woman in a red dress poses dramatically against a backdrop of dark, swirling clouds.

THIS MUSIC MAY CONTAIN HOPE. by RAYE

By mixing together jazz and big band with modern pop and r&b production (and a few notes of classical and soul), British singer RAYE has created one of the most sonically enjoyable records of 2026. Full of unabashed optimism right when we need it more than ever, this is a perfectly timed release that will elicit a healthy dose of smiles and goosebumps. – SF

A close-up of two people engaged in a conversation, showcasing their expressive faces and the emotion of the moment.

Jane Austen’s Period Drama

I got way more than I expected from this Oscar Nominee for Live-Action Short! A woman in Jane Austen-y times gets her period at an incredibly inopportune moment. A LOT of humor is packed into 12 minutes. Bonus: You can watch it for free on Kanopy with your library card! – ME