Reading is so Sweet this holiday season

Bookworms can come together and warm up with a good book this holiday season as Naperville Public Library recently kicked off its Winter Family Reading Program, which will run through Jan. 31.

Families with children in 5th grade and younger can register in person to participate in the reading program. Participants can pick up a log at any of the three library buildings to earn prizes and coupons for reading together and doing other family-fun activities. Completing eight activities will allow children to earn a prize and a coupon.

This year's theme, Reading is so Sweet, perfectly aligns with one shared activity that qualifies for the reading log - the ever-popular Family Gingerbread House Display. Families can create and decorate a gingerbread house as a family activity and then drop off their gingerbread house at any children's department in any of the three library buildings by 4 p.m. Dec. 5. Each building will display the houses in the children's department for the public to admire and choose their favorites. Ribbons will be awarded to all entries. Entries must be picked up on Dec. 12.

Another family activity is Jan's Clan Puppets Winter Celebration, which will be from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at Nichols Library, 200 W. Jefferson Ave. This winter- themed, musical variety show of eight large, full-figured puppet characters is filled with dance, laughter and song.

"The Winter Family Reading Program is unique because it's designed for families to participate together," said Stephanie Rivera, children's services supervisor. "This program engages the entire family and promotes family bonding through reading and group activities."

Program sponsors include Chicago Wolves, Hollywood Palms Cinema, Pie Five Pizza, Odyssey Fun World, Funway, Buona Beef and Aurelio's Pizza. Each log can be returned for prizes and a chance to win Chicago Wolves hockey tickets. The grand prize is a selection of board games, movies, books, a plush toy, $50 gift certificate to Odyssey Fun World and two gift certificates to Hollywood Palms. Coupons and prizes can be picked up at any of the library's three children's reference desks. For more information, go to www.naperville-lib.org.