“ESCAPE TO EVERYWHERE” with Maricopa County Library District’s Winter Reading Program for Adults

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PHOENIX, Ariz. – Dec. 14 – Maricopa County Library District’s (MCLD) annual Winter Reading Program is back and is encouraging adults to build a strong lifelong reading habit. Running from Dec. 14, 2020 though Feb. 14, 2021, participants log their reading online, complete challenges, and attend virtual performances at winter.mcldaz.org (English) or invierno.mcldaz.org (Spanish).

“In a year that has kept many people at home, we hope the Winter Reading Program will be a reminder that an adventure is just a good book away,” said Jeremy Reeder, Maricopa County Library District Director.

Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books or listening to audiobooks. Points can also be earned for completing themed online challenges. For some additional entertainment, participants also have access to streamed events from performers like Arizona Opera, local magicians and community dance groups.

If readers enter points each week, they will automatically be entered into weekly drawings to win either a Library Swag Bag with one book or a one-day Maricopa County Parks Pass. If participants reach 500 points by Feb. 14, they will be entered into the grand prize drawing—an annual Maricopa County Parks Pass.

MCLD has also teamed up with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office (MSCO) Inmate Library to bring the Winter Reading Program to adults experiencing incarceration.

This is the fourth year the District has partnered with MCSO, where inmates receive paper logs to participate in the program. With studies showing that reading reduces recidivism, this partnership has the potential to positively impact this community and has become a pillar to the annual Winter Program.

WINTER READING PROGRAM FAST FACTS:

WEBSITE:

PROGRAM DATES:

  • Registration open now
  • Program runs Dec. 14, 2020 through Jan. 14, 2021

PARTICIPATING LIBRARIES:

PRIZES:

  • Read and earn points each week to be automatically entered into weekly drawings for:
    • A Library Swag Bag with one Book
    • A one-day Maricopa County Parks pass
  • Reach 500 points by Feb. 14, 2021 to be entered into the Final Grand Prize drawing:
    • Annual Maricopa County Parks Pass

Full details about the program can be found at winter.mcldaz.org/info/faq.

ABOUT MARICOPA COUNTY LIBRARY DISTRICT:

The Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) is a special taxing district that runs 18 libraries countywide. MCLD inspires curiosity, encourages discovery and exploration of new worlds, and helps residents reconnect with their community. In 2019, MCLD held more than 6,700 events for all ages, nearly 83,000 children and adults participated in the Summer Reading Program, and 2.9 million customers visited an MCLD library. Maricopa County and Queen Creek residents and property owners get an MCLD library card at no cost. For more information, visit https://mcldaz.org.