Winter reading challenge can also benefit the community

Whether you think of winter as dreary and cold or fresh and bright, the Schaumburg Library has a Winter Challenge that will add a dose of fun to snow season.

And "fun" is only part of the challenge, which also includes prizes and, best of all, a way to help those in need.

Let's start with the fun part: All ages are invited to sign up for the Winter Challenge and receive a log (online or in print) that includes options for reading and engaging in activities. In addition to reading, activities include hiking, cooking, completing a crossword puzzle, making a kindness rock, making a bird feeder, volunteering and more. Sign up online at SchaumburgLibrary.org/read or in person at any of our three locations.

For every item completed, you will receive an electronic badge, including one just for signing up. Upon receiving five badges, children and teens receive a book, while adults are entered into a drawing for a $10 gift card to Half Price Books. Thirty-five gift cards will be given away.

In a nutshell, you read, enjoy activities and help your community, then get a prize for doing it. You can track your progress online or on your paper log.

Now for the "helping others" part of the challenge. Billionaire investor and Shark Tank personality Mark Cuban has challenged close to 100 libraries all over the country and South Korea to meet a collective goal of reading at least 1.3 million minutes and 55,000 books during January.

If achieved, Cuban pledges to donate $25,000 to First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise that provides new books, learning materials, and other essentials to children in need. He will also give $10,000 for top-performing libraries to use for their community programs or donate to nonprofit organizations in their area.

"I know our patrons can do this," said Monica Harris, the Schaumburg Library's executive director. "I've seen our community rally to help others, and when you combine that with their love of books, it's realistic that we'd be able to meet these reading goals. What a great opportunity to get learning resources into the hands of kids who need them."

One way for adults to complete the reading portion of the Winter Challenge is to join a book discussion group. From romance to crime to nonfiction titles, the library offers book clubs designed to please a variety of interests.

Check out the "Book and Movie Discussions" section of the library's Guide that gets mailed to houses. It is also available online at www.SchaumurgLibrary.org.

If you're not sure what to read, speak with a librarian or drop in to Book Bonanza from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 11, in the Central Library's Workshop, or from 2-3 p.m., Monday, Jan. 8, at the Hoffman Estates Branch.

In addition to getting reading recommendations suited to your interests, you will also have the opportunity to play games for a chance to win books. Or connect with other readers and discuss recent books you've read by dropping into What Are You Reading from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, at the Central Library's Workshop. You're sure to walk away with a few titles that pique your interest.

Winter is upon us, and the Schaumburg Library wants to help make it your best one yet. Keep your mind and body fueled with good things by joining the Winter Challenge. It's easy, free, and if enough people participate, it could even result in helping children in need.