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, 2025 - January 31st, 2025
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 15th, 2024 - February 15th, 2025
"There's Gnome Place Like the Library!" Youth Winter Reading Challenge
Children newborn through age 11 can participate in the Winter Reading Challenge by reading or being read to. Other fun reading challenges will also be included. Readers will set their own daily reading goals to earn prizes, books, or coupons from local businesses. Pick up your starter pack beginning December 15th.
Bundle Up With Books Challenge
Cozy up with a book in your favorite nook! 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. Earn a special prize when you've logged 15 hours!
January 1st, 2025 – February 28th, 2025
All Ages Winter Reading Challenge
We’re challenging everyone to read at least 8 hours during the winter months. Our Winter Reading Challenge is open to readers of all ages and abilities. Participants can read or listen to books from any source, including the library’s collections. Attendance at library storytimes and book discussions counts toward the challenge.
To participate in our Winter Reading Challenge, you can create an individual or family account and track your progress online using the Beanstack website or Beanstack mobile app. Alternatively, track your progress using a printable reading log. Reading logs are also available at the library.
You will receive a free gift and a grand prize drawing entry when you complete the challenge. Earn a bonus grand prize drawing entry for each additional 8 hours of reading. All reading must be recorded in Beanstack or submitted to the library on a paper reading log by February 28, 2025 to be eligible. Gifts and prizes must be picked up by March 14, 2025. Only Warrenville Library cardholders are eligible to receive grand prizes.
Teen Winter Reading
December 22-January 6
Complete activities over winter break - including reading, watching movies, and doing winter activities - and win prizes!
Reading Is Silver: Celebrating a Quarter Century of Books
January 2 - February 28
Participate in our virtual adult winter reading program by logging six books to complete the program. Participants can also write reviews of their books. Everyone who completes the program is automatically entered into a drawing to win one of two $25 Amazon Gift Cards.
December 1st, 2024 – February 28th, 2025
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 Target gift card! Bingo cards are available at the Youth and Teen desks.
November 15th, 2024 - January 31st, 2025
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 15th: cslibrary.readsquared.com
PARTICIPATION PRIZE: log 1 book to earn a fleece blanket! Sponsored by the Friends of the Library.
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!
