Social Library, Winter Reading Edition
Jennifer Peterson
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07 January 2020
With numerous libraries posting to Facebook about Winter Reading Challenges, we wanted to highlight a few in this special edition of the Social Library series. The programs range in length, from one month to three, some for adults, others for all ages, and they each have their own means of tracking books read, from Bingo cards to “Readopoly” game log. We love seeing libraries leverage the winter season to draw in more readers and to connect with so many different community partners. If you'd like to see your library featured in an upcoming edition of the Social Library, let us know via [email protected] or find us on Facebook.
- Harford County Public Library in Maryland announced the beginning of their Winter Reading program, We Love to Read A Latte. "Adults are encouraged to read or listen to at least five books; high school students, three. Upon completion, participants will receive this year’s special collector’s mug." Winter Reading runs from December 21- March 7 and we learned from coverage in the local news and on the Winter Reading schedule that the program includes numerous special events that will take place, including a Harford County Coffee Crawl & Tea Tour. "Participants are invited to pick up a "passport" at the library and visit various coffee and tea locations listed, for a sample and a passport stamp, to earn a keepsake 2020 Winter Reading tote bag (while supplies last)."
- San Diego Public Library in California announced their 2020 Winter Reading Challenge, Litera-SEA. "Cast off this January with Litera-SEA, the San Diego Public Library’s first ever Winter Reading Challenge! San Diego residents of all ages are encouraged to sign up for this annual event that is sure to have you sailing away into a great book! Read five books or five hours and receive prizes donated by Maritime Museum of San Diego and local Subway® Restaurants." We loved the KPBS coverage of the Winter Challenge, especially the video about the Jang family!
- Robert R. Jones Public Library in Illinois is encouraging readers to play READOPOLY from December 15-January 31. "Are you ready to play Readopoly! The classic board game has taken on a new twist at the Robert R. Jones Public Library this holiday season! Now through January 31st fill in a property every time you complete a challenge. Collect a monopoly to receive a bracelet and choose your very own charm! Complete additional monopolies to earn bonus charms. There are a total of ten monopolies possible and 100's of charms to choose from!" With numerous requests in the comments, the library shared a pdf of the Reaopoly game log and information on the charms they use as prizes.
- Palatine Public Library in Illinois began their Winter Reading Challenge on December 16 with a video announcement. "This year’s challenge Tales for Tails, strives to help local animals in need. When you take part and help us read a total of 7,000 books, our generous partners will donate to Barb's Precious Rescue." In addition to the reading challenge, the program included a Pet Item Drive and an event for teens to make pet toys and blankets that were then delivered by TAB (Teen Advisory Board) members to Barb's Precious Rescue. We loved seeing the post that the student news site of Palatine High School covered the program!
- Metropolitan Library System in Oklahoma kicked off Book Bingo, also with a video post last month. "Participants who read five books (4 if you use the free space!) between January 1 and February 29, 2020 are entered for a drawing to win an eReader, tablet, or exclusive prize pack." The pdf of the Bingo card provides instructions and inspirational categories.