Reading challenge encourages library patrons to cozy up inside this winter

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — As the temperature dips and the snow piles up, the Bloomfield Township Public Library is giving patrons the opportunity to curl up with a good book.

All ages are invited to participate in the library’s annual Winter Reading Challenge, which has a theme this year of “Cozy Up with a Good Book.”

“As people are really busy, it’s a great way for people to step away, relax and breathe,” said Shayna Connolly, adult and teen services librarian. “And it’s a way to encourage reading during the holiday break for the kids and teens, (who) can win prizes as well.”

Participants can sign up for the Winter Reading Challenge in person at the library or online at btpl.org/winter. By registering for the challenge — which runs Dec. 21, 2024, to Jan. 31, 2025 — and logging their activity online, patrons will be entered into a virtual grand prize drawing to win a number of prizes.

The winter reading program, Connolly said, is another way for the library to encourage the love of reading for all ages by allowing patrons to enjoy books of their choice at their own pace.

“We know people are kind of stuck inside sometimes during the winter and we want to encourage their reading and let them know that the library is here,” she said.

Patrons are encouraged to read every day and track their progress online to earn virtual reading and activity badges for the chance to win prizes.

Teens and adults log by the number of books they read for a chance to win a gift card to Starbucks, Target or Schuler Books in West Bloomfield.

An adult can head online to Beanstack to log the days children — ages birth to 12 years old — read or are read to, and any activities they complete. For every five days they read, they will earn a virtual logging badge and a grand prize ticket. For each activity they complete, they can earn a virtual activity badge and a grand prize ticket. Earn six badges to complete the challenge and receive an extra prize ticket to win a Toyology gift card or age-specific bags of books.

“We encourage kids to participate just as a little reward for the reading they do,” said Lauren Catoni-Ellis, youth services assistant department head.

“It’s also a way to have caregivers and kids interact with each other with some of our activities. For instance, one of them is to snuggle with a loved one and enjoy a book together. We just want to encourage kids to read and push through the cold weather.”

All reading activities must be logged by Jan. 31, 2025, to be eligible for prizes.

For more information, call the library at (248) 642-5800 or visit btpl.org.