Mid-Continent Public Library is encouraging adults across the Kansas City metro to participate in its annual Winter Reading Challenge — January 15 to March 15 — by reading five books in two months with the promise of an exclusive coffee mug given to all those who complete the Challenge as well as the chance to win a tropical vacation for two.
The Challenge, open to those 18 and older, is now in its sixth year of promoting leisure reading among adults.
“Reading offers tremendous benefits to people of all ages, but oftentimes it gets put on the back burner for adults with busy day-to-day schedules,” said Amy Fisher, manager of MCPL’s Information and Reader Services Department. “The Winter Reading Challenge offers adults a chance to reclaim those benefits―as well as the enjoyment of reading for pleasure―with the added encouragement of being part of a fun, citywide movement.”
This year’s Winter Reading Challenge theme, “Passport to Everywhere,” celebrates books with a great sense of setting and all the heart-pounding adventures and sensory experiences that they can evoke. In keeping with this theme, participants who log their five books by March 15 will not only earn the yearly commemorative mug, but they will also be entered into a random drawing to win a six-night deluxe trip for two, including nonstop air travel and accommodations, at the all-inclusive TRS Cap Cana Hotel in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, courtesy of Vacation Express, KC102.1, and Mix 93.3. (See mymcpl.org/WinterReading for complete contest rules.)
In addition to logging books, participants can make the most out of their involvement by attending programs at various MCPL branches as well as virtual events online through the Winter Reading Challenge Facebook page. Participants can also set off on their own adventures and get to know the local area better with the virtual “KC Savvy Scavenger Hunt” that the Library is offering in conjunction with Visit KC through the free GooseChase app from February 15 to March 15. The grand prize for the hunt is a two-night stay at the Adams Mark Hotel and Conference Center plus gift certificates and goodies from Visit KC.
For more information about the Winter Reading Challenge, including a full list of rules, more details about the prizes, and a suggested reading list compiled by MCPL staff, visit mymcpl.org/WinterReading. Readers are encouraged to stay connected with their fellow Challenge participants by posting on social media about their experiences with #mcplwinterread.