Information is available at the Warsaw Community Public Library for Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars Program, the state’s premier college scholarship and preparation program for low-income Hoosier students. Pictured is Anna Jackson.

We have rung in 2018, and school is back in session — at least when the weather cooperates. Are you looking for fun family activities to beat the winter blues? The Warsaw Community Public Library Winter Reading program has a special challenge just for children. Join us for a round of Winter Reading bingo.

Winter Reading bingo is for children from birth up to age 12. We offer a bingo card of activities for elementary schoolchildren, and another tailored to infants, toddlers, preschoolers and the grown-ups in their life. Our hope is to encourage children to try new reading and literacy-related activities and to explore the library in new ways.

How does Winter Reading bingo work? It’s easy to participate and tailor the challenge to your family. Simply encourage the children in your circle to enjoy reading, writing, singing, playing games, listening to stories, making something creative or participating in a library program. Then have fun marking a square on the bingo card for each unique activity completed. We encourage children to enjoy activities by themselves or alongside a grown-up, sibling, pal, pet even a beloved stuffed animal. While the books and games don’t have to come from our library, we are always happy to help you think of fresh ideas for completing a square on the bingo card. Just ask at the Children’s Desk

Once children complete five activities in a line and get a bingo, we invite them to celebrate with us and pick out a free book, a coupon for treats and an entry in our exciting prize drawing.

To mark the conclusion of Winter Reading, we are hosting a very special slumber party: the Stuffed Animal Sleepover. On Friday, March 2, we invite all children to drop off a plush pal at the library for an overnight adventure. On Saturday, March 3, children pick up their stuffed animal friends and see what fun they had.

Winter Reading bingo is happening now through Feb. 28. To participate, visit the Children’s Desk for a bingo card, or download one online at warsawlibrary.org. For details about this and other WCPL programs, visit the website or call (574) 267-6011.