by Emily

Winter is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. This winter has been more challenging than most, so whether you’re looking for something to keep the kids engaged at home or just something to lift your spirits, we library folk suggest nothing more than a good book. This season, we’re expanding our Winter Reading to include programs for all ages!

From December 20 to January 31, the Mandel Public Library will participate in Beanstack’s Fourth Annual Winter Reading Challenge, sponsored by Simon & Schuster. Books Like Us is a celebration of diversity, harnessing the transformative power of seeing oneself reflected in a book. This winter, our community is invited to explore books from authors spanning an array of diverse backgrounds. Thanks to the Friends of the Mandel Public Library for making this possible. Learn how to participate below!

How to participate

Register your whole family at Beanstack to track your reading! You can do this on a computer or on Beanstack’s mobile app. Each family member can sign up for their reading program to start logging their progress. There are four programs to choose from: #WinterRead2021 for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers; #WinterRead2021 for Grades K-5; #WinterRead2021 for Grades 6-12; and #WinterRead2021 for Adults.

Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

Babies, toddlers, and preschoolers get prize entries for logging books read from December 20 – January 31. Log your weekly reading into the Beanstack app to be eligible for books and raffle prizes. Stop by KidSpace to pick up a free Winter Reading booklet with book recommendations, reading challenges, and more!

Grades K-5

Elementary school students get prize entries for logging minutes read from December 20 – January 31. Log your weekly reading into the Beanstack app to be eligible for books and raffle prizes. Stop by KidSpace to pick up a free Winter Reading booklet with book recommendations, reading challenges, and more!

Grades 6-12

Tweens and teens in grades 6-12 can earn free books for logging minutes read from December 20 – January 31. Each week of reading earns you a book from a selection of popular young adult titles that is yours to keep! Log your weekly reading into the Beanstack app to be eligible for books and raffle prizes.

Grownups

Adults can earn prizes and digital badges by reading and attending virtual library events from December 20 – January 31. Log your books and event attendance into the Beanstack app to be eligible to win cool library gear. Plus, the person who reads the most books will get a special prize, and those who reach eight badges will be entered into a grand prize raffle.

What to Read

Don’t know where to start? You are welcome to read whatever you wish during the program, but if you need a little inspiration, we’re here to help. Allow us to make some recommendations. For young readers, be sure to pick up a Winter Reading booklet in KidSpace for a list of recommended reads. If you can’t come into the library, we also have suggested reading lists in Beanstack and cloudLibrary for all ages! Our reading lists feature books by authors belonging to marginalized and under-represented groups writing about their own perspectives and books that celebrate diversity. 

This winter’s reading theme, “Books Like Us,” not only encourages readers to see themselves reflected in books but also to read diversely in order to gain empathy towards people from different backgrounds and experiences. To this aim, we’ve created extra challenges for adults based on certain themes. We’ve even made a nifty Bingo card you can use to check off your challenges! They are:

• Read a book set in the place where you were born
• Read a book with a main character who is of a different race/ethnicity than you
• Read a book with a main character who has a different sexual orientation than you
• Read a book with a person who has a visible disability
• Read a book with a character who shares your job or profession
• Read a book with a character who shares your religion
• Read a book with a character who looks different than you
• Read a book that portrays a hobby you enjoy

Choose to read one or try to get them all! Share your progress with us on social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Where to Read

Not only can you find countless books (actually, we counted, and it’s 149,369 books) at the library, you can also find countless books to read or listen to digitally on cloudLibrary or hoopla digital, all free with your library card. Download the apps and instantly get access to thousands of books and audiobooks for free on your phone, tablet, or computer from wherever you may be! Take a look at our digital library page to get started!

What Else is Happening?

Did you know that we have virtual programs like story times and lectures live on Zoom? Take a look at our online calendar for the full list of virtual programs, and be on the lookout for the return of limited in-person programming in January 2021! Additionally, our YouTube channel is full of video programs you can enjoy at any time. From job search tips to yoga, to DIY crafting videos, we are working hard to bring your favorite programs into your homes.

Questions? Give us a call at 561-868-7701 or email us at mpl@wpbcitylibrary.org with questions and visit our social media for the latest updates and winter reading fun!