Race is on to read this Winter
If you're a young reader planning to go the distance in Naperville Public Library's Winter Reading Program, get your bookmarks ready.
The "race" to read for the most minutes this winter begins today.
The competition is named the "Iditaread," a play on the Iditarod, an annual 1,150-mile dog-sled race through the Alaskan wilderness.
Open to children in fifth grade and younger who hold a Naperville library card, the Iditaread program encourages reading aloud, reading silently, reading as a group, listening to audio-books and even being read to by parents or siblings, said Mary Bannon, the library's public programming coordinator.
"It's anything you choose to read," she said. "The librarians will be happy to help you make selections. The important thing is, you're reading."
Bannon said winter is a good time to curl up with a good book and enjoy the adventures therein.
"Mid-winter can be kind of a quiet time," she said.
Children who learn to love reading often continue to enjoy reading as adults.
"We like to think people read for their own pleasure," she said.
The children's department in each of Naperville's three public libraries are decorated with the Iditaread theme, Bannon said.
Children can register at all three locations. Bannon said registrants will each receive a bag containing coupons from program sponsors, a log to record reading accomplishments and a pencil.
Because one program sponsor is the Chicago Wolves hockey team, the program will feature a visit to the 95th Street Library from one of the players at 4:30 p.m. Feb. 6, 11 days before the Iditaread ends Feb. 17. No registration is required to attend.
The yet-to-be-named player, Bannon said, will answer questions about the sport and likely will allow one lucky young visitor to don his hockey gear.
If you go
What: Iditaread winter reading program, sponsored by Naperville Public Library
Who: Children in fifth grade and younger
When: Today through Feb. 17
Where: Nichols Library, Naper Boulevard Library, 95th Street Library
More information: (630) 961-4100 or naperville-lib.org
Aurora Library
Kids can "Get a Clue" and win prizes by participating in Aurora Public Library's winter reading program Jan. 14 to Feb. 29. The program is geared to preschoolers through eighth-graders, but teens also may participate. Details are available at all three library locations, including the Eola Road Branch, 555 S. Eola Road. (630) 264-3400.
Lisle Library
The Lisle Library isn't sponsoring a winter reading program this year.