Library’s Winter Reading Challenge increases reading goal

     Since 2020, "the year of COVID," the Monticello Public Library has offered a Winter Reading Challenge.

   Last year, children and adults were challenged with reading 1,000 books between Dec. 1 and March 1. That goal was beaten when participants read 1,665 books!

   This year, Librarian Penny Schmit set the goal higher at 2,000 books.

   With 80 participants last year, Schmit is confident that the community can reach the goal this winter.

   The challenge kicked off on Dec. 1. You can register and log how many books you've read by downloading the READsquared app on your mobile device. You can also stop in the library (205 E. Grand St.) and pick up a paper log as well.

   Unlike the library's Summer Reading Program, in which participants keep track of how many pages or minutes they read, the Winter Challenge simply asks people to read a certain number of books.

   When logging into the app, enter the titles of the books you've read and the date in which you finished the books.

   The challenge is open to children and adults of all ages.

   "All books count," Schmit said of a simple children's book or a 500-page adult novel. "The challenge is to get everybody reading this winter."

   Outside of the holidays, Schmit said people can get cabin fever when they aren't out and about. Reading a book is a way to escape that feeling.

   As people log the titles of the books they've read, Schmit said the library can also keep track of what's popular throughout the challenge. Last year, she said children's Christmas and holiday books were quite popular.

   There will be four opportunities throughout the challenge to receive prizes:

   • First drawing on Jan. 1 for anyone who logged reading between Dec. 1 and Jan. 1

   • Second drawing on Feb. 1 for anyone who logged reading between Jan. 1 and Feb. 1

   • Third drawing on March 1 for anyone who logged reading between Feb. 1 and March 1

   • Grand prize drawing on March 1 for those who took part in the challenge throughout the three months

   Prizes will include free books and gift certificates to local businesses.

   "You can start anytime after Dec. 1," urged Schmit.