When we think of reading programs, a lot of us automatically think about summer reading programs at our local libraries. But, what about winter reading programs? Winter in Illinois is the perfect time to break out that book, cozy up and get lost in a story. I've compiled a list of the local libraries around Wheaton, IL offering winter reading programs for kids and adults and most of them even offer prize incentives! Woot! Woot!
*check with each library to see if a library card is required to participate
January 1st, 2026 - January 31st, 2026
Earn points to win prizes! All ages are welcome. Track your points with the READsquared app. Find secret codes on our social media every other week to earn more points.
Youth (Birth to 5th Grade)
- Keep track of how many days you read in January using our paper log or READsquared to earn prizes including a free book
- Complete the activities and find secret codes to earn additional prizes and be entered into our grand prize drawing
Teens (6th to 12th Grade)
- Earn a prize just for signing up! Pick up a free WPL mug at the Teenspace Desk beginning Jan. 2 while supplies last
- Earn 100 points for each hour you read – audiobooks included
- Earn additional points for completing missions and activities, like finding secret codes
- Earn prizes at 500 and 1000 points
- Earn 1000 points to complete the challenge and be entered into our grand prize drawing
Adults
- Earn a prize just for signing up! Pick up a free WPL mug at the Reference Desk beginning Jan. 2 while supplies last
- Earn 200 points for each book you read – this includes audiobooks and eBooks
- Earn additional points for completing missions and activities, like finding secret codes
- Each week, two random winners will be chosen to win a gift card
- Earn 600 points to complete the challenge and be entered to win a $50 gift certificate to Downtown Wheaton, 2 winners will be chosen
December 22, 2025 - February 23, 2026
"Birds of a Feather Read Together" - Youth Winter Reading Challenge
Take flight this winter on a fun reading adventure. Use your feather finder to track your reading/listening to books progress and earn prizes that are worth chirping about! Pick your log up at the Youth Services desk beginning December 22.
Teens & Adults Challenge
Winter is for the birds ... and for books! This challenge is for teens in grades 6-12 and and adults. Log your reading in Beanstack (https://wcpld.beanstack.org/reader365) to earn wintery badges throughout the challenge from December 1 - February 28. Earn a special prize when you've logged 15 hours!
January 1st, 2026 – February 28th, 2026
All Ages Winter Reading Challenge
Are you YETI for this year’s Winter Reading Challenge? Read at least 8 hours during the winter months to receive a free gift and a grand prize drawing entry. Earn a bonus grand prize drawing entry for each additional 8 hours of reading. Read or listen to books from any source including our physicalor digital collections. Use Beanstack to track your progress online or in the app, or use a paper reading log. To be eligible for prizes, tracking must be completed by February 28, 2026.
Kids Winter Reading Challenge: Reading in a Winter Wonderland
January 2 - February 28
Pick up a log at the Youth Services desk and write down the titles of nine books you read or were read to you. For each completed log you return to the library, you will receive a snowflake to place on the bulletin board and an entry for a prize drawing.
Read, White, and Blue
January 2 - February 28
This program is designed for adults to encourage life-long reading habits. Earn 100 books for each book read and 25 points for a book review. Complete the program by earning 600 points. Once you've earned enough points you will automatically be entered into a drawing for one of two $25 Target Gift Cards.
December 1st, 2025 – February 28th, 2026
Winter Reading: Bingo Challenge for Teens
Get three in a row by the end of February to win a prize and receive an entry to win a gift card! Bingo cards are available at the Youth and Teen desks.
November 14th, 2025 - January 31st, 2026
High Schoolers & Adult Winter Reading Bingo
Find your motivation and have fun meeting your reading goals this winter! Pick up a paper reading log at the Library, or log your books online starting November 14th: cslibrary.readsquared.com
PARTICIPATION PRIZE: log 1 book to earn a participation prize.
WEEKLY RANDOM PRIZE DRAWING: log a book within the week and be entered to win a trip to the "book cart" and pick out a book to keep.
GRAND PRIZE DRAWING: each book logged = one chance to win the grand prize basket.
All are welcome to participate. Must be a CSPL cardholder in high school or adult to win prizes.
Looking for more winter fun to stay busy? Check out our Guide for Winter Boredom Busters!
