Freezing temperatures and gusty winds have many students looking for ways to escape the cold, as well as boredom, as they settle in for the second week of Christmas vacation.

Believe it or not, Andalusia and other surrounding municipalities offer a host of free activities designed to provide an enjoyable escape for the whole family.

Where? At the public library.

Caryl Lee Jackson, APL children’s librarian, said public libraries across the state offer free computer use and free Wi-Fi for laptop users.

“And of course if you’re armed with a library card, there’s books to read, audio books and believe it or not, DVD movies to check out,” Lee said. “These extended breaks are a perfect time to research family history in our genealogy department upstairs. We’ve got all the latest magazines, too.”

For Gabby Godwin and her dad, an outing at the library was a perfect time. Godwin said she plans to spend the next few days reading “Nancy Drew.”

For those who’d rather spend the day cozy at home, Andalusia Movie Gallery is offering free one-per-day kid’s movie rentals.

“For us usually the big days are when it’s raining,” said Movie Gallery’s Kayla Lee. “(Monday we weren’t) that busy, but we are seeing a lot of kids because school is out and a movie can keep them occupied for a least a little while.”