Winter Reading Programs For Adults
While you are all familiar with summer reading programs, some libraries have recently begun offering winter reading programming for both adults and children. Winter reading programming for adults can be a fun way to help your community beat the winter doldrums, encourage reading habits, improve relationships with patrons, and further familiarize them with the library and its resources. Here are a few examples from this past winter:
Barberton Library (Ohio) offered an Adult Winter Reading Club. Participants were required to read or listen to a book and submit a brief review in order to qualify for a possible prize. Weekly prizes were offered, with a grand prize given at the end. Reviews had to be at least one sentence long to be eligible and were turned in via an online form, or in person at the reference desk. This club was open to readers of all formats. In addition, the library offered Cozy Reading Afternoons, ninety minutes of quiet reading with soft music and candles at the library. Barberton Library Winter Reading Club took place from January 7 to February 28.
Longwood Public Library (New York) offered “Snowed Inn,” an adult winter reading program with weekly prizes. At the end of the program the winner with the most titles was awarded a grand prize of an $100 Amazon Gift card as well as several new books. In order to gain access to prizes, participants had to read an abundance of books and also attend weekly programs.
La Crosse Public Library (Wisconsin) aimed for participants to discover new authors, titles, and genres in their initiative to promote adult winter reading. Participants were encouraged to explore a variety of different reading materials including magazines, fiction, graphic novels, and etc. Gift certificates were awarded to those who turned in reading lists and met the program’s objectives.
Monroe County Public Library (Indiana) offered an especially unique approach to adult literacy during the winter months with its “Adult Winter Reading Game.” Participants gained familiarity with a variety of adult educational resources and reading materials using game cards marked with specialized instructions. The game cards included instructions for using library resources, or attending programs, or participating in online courses provided through Lynda. Prizes were awarded weekly to those who completed the instructions and all active participants also qualified for a grand prize at the program’s finale.
Let’s hear more about Winter Reading! Did your library offer an event? Tell us about your library’s adult winter reading programming in the comments.
