Maricopa County libraries host reading program

The Maricopa County Library District is inviting adults to join its Winter Reading Program, which runs from Dec. 16 through Feb. 16. The program aims to encourage reading, promote adult literacy, and build a sense of community among participants.

The Winter Reading Program is open to adults and offers a chance to earn points, unlock badges, and win prizes by logging reading minutes and completing challenges.

Participants earn one point for every minute spent reading and can earn extra points by taking part in specific activities. The goal is to reach 500 points by the end of the program.

Once registered, participants can log their reading minutes online and track their progress through a personalized dashboard. Readers are encouraged to log 60 minutes each week to be entered into weekly prize drawings. Prizes include library swag bags, book lights, sunrise simulation alarm clocks, and Maricopa County Parks day passes. Participants who continue to log minutes after reaching the 500-point goal will remain eligible for additional prizes. 

As part of the program, the library will host a series of free virtual author talks. Upcoming events include:

• The Magic of Found Family: In Conversation with Author TJ Klune – Jan. 15
• Notes on Modern Irrationality with Amanda Montell – Jan. 23.
• An Inside Look at Working with a Literary Agent with Seth Fishman – Jan. 28, 2025
• How We Create Pandemics, From Our Bodies to Our Beliefs with Sabrina Sholts – Feb. 4
• Dystopian Tropes from an Indigenous Perspective with Waubgeshig Rice – Feb. 11

Several Maricopa County Libraries are participating, including Goodyear's Georga T. Lord Library and the Litchfield Park Branch Library. The library’s Summer Reading Program, which is open to all ages, will start on June 1.

Visit winter.mcldaz.org for more information and to sign up to begin logging reading minutes.