“The groundhog is like most other prophets; it delivers its prediction and then disappears.” — Bill Vaughn
Each year on February 2, National Groundhog Day asks one enduring question: Will the groundhog see its shadow? According to tradition, if the groundhog sees its shadow, we’re in for six more weeks of winter. If not, spring is supposedly just around the corner.
The custom dates back to European weather lore and hibernating animals, eventually finding a home in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. There, crowds gather every year to see Punxsutawney Phil emerge from his burrow and “forecast” the season ahead. While the prediction is far from scientific—and those of us in the Midwest know better than to trust a groundhog’s optimism—it remains a beloved midwinter ritual.
Groundhog Day gained modern fame through the 1993 film Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray. Set in Punxsutawney, the movie’s time-loop premise has become part of our cultural language, reminding us how routines, patience, and perspective can transform even the dreariest winter days.
Whether you’re rooting for an early spring or bracing for more snow, your library is a great place to enjoy the season. With your library card—valid at all 54 MORE libraries—you can borrow the Groundhog Day DVD, explore books on folklore and weather traditions, or simply curl up with a good winter read.
Libraries help us pass the long winter weeks with stories, movies, and learning—all free and always welcoming. However long winter lasts, your library is here to help you stay curious, cozy, and entertained.
“No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow.” — Proverb