By Amanda McFarland, Adult Programming Coordinator

Earn prizes during the children’s winter reading program, Jan. 4 to Feb. 28. From left in front are Katie Warrener, Amy Mann, in back are Duane Herendeen and Susie Bolland, Children’s Services.

WARSAW – Reading can be a rewarding experience for many, and this winter, Warsaw Community Public Library invites local book lovers to read for both enjoyment and prizes during the 2017 Winter Reading Program.

Set for Wednesday, Jan. 4, through Tuesday, Feb. 28, the program includes two age groups: Teens/adults and children. Teen and adult participants can earn small prizes for every 500 pages they read, up to 10,000 pages by the end of the program. Acceptable formats include books, e-books, audio and e-audio. Those who prefer audio and e-audio can use a book’s print version as a guide for counting pages. Books in e-format are available via the Overdrive app.

Readers in preschool through age 12 will not need to count pages. Rather, they can stop by the WCPL children’s department and pick up a Bingo card. Prizes are available for every row, column or diagonal a participant completes.
Bingo cards will be available Wednesday, Jan. 4, through Tuesday, Feb. 28. The first day to turn in a Bingo card for prizes is Wednesday, Jan. 18.

Each Bingo card is designed to encourage young readers to try something new. For example, preschoolers might read a book about a favorite color or animal, play a board game or talk about something they have done that day.
Kids in kindergarten through sixth grade can mark off activities like reading a book about Indiana, writing their own book review or trying their hand at Minecraft.

Prizes available to teens and adults include candy and chocolate, books, coffee and hot chocolate and small items like sticky notes, lip balm, hand sanitizer, book bags, tissue packages, balance toys, hot/cold packs, lotion, bouncy balls and bubbles.

Children’s prizes will include gift cards, small toys and other items that appeal to young readers. Adults and teens can register at the WCPL reference desk online.