Winter Reading program is now underway here

With the mercury taking a nosedive and the wind howling outside your window, it's the perfect time to grab a cup of a hot beverage and curling up with a good book.
Although it's never a bad time to read a book, more books are read in the winter months because outdoor conditions are not always favorable for other activities.
The Minneota Public Library is joining the Plum Creek Library System in launching the annual Winter Reading Program in January. "Catch a Keeper at Your Library" is this year's theme. The program will run from Jan. 1 to March 31 and is open to those ages 16 and over.
"I believe the Winter Reading Program provides a challenge to the readers who take part," said Minneota Library Director Gail Perrizo. "For some, it may be an incentive to read all the books they've been putting off reading and that have been gathering dust on their shelves.
"For others, it helps increase their reading time and they gain a feeling of accomplishment, and consequently, more enjoyment. Still, others like the competitive nature ... to see how many prizes they can win or win the grand prize by reading the most books."
To take part in the program, sign up at the Minneota Public Library and get started reading. You will receive a punch card/recording log to keep track of the books you read.
For every 12 books read, those signed up with the program receive a prize. Prizes this year include the traditional cups with this year's theme printed on them, as well as large candy bars.
"Also, this year we're offering 'snowflake tools', which are small metal snowflakes that fit in your hand and are an 18-in-1 multi-tool screwdriver," said Perrizo, "and some book bags imprinted with our penguin fishing theme."
At the conclusion of the program on March 31, an undetermined grand prize will be awarded to the person who has read the most books.
Books can be in any format, including audio an e-books. Books that are read for the program do not have to be checked out from the Minneota Public Library.
"We encourage our area "snowbirds" to participate by reading e-books or listening to audio books that can be checked out through Libby or Hoople on their phones or computers," Perrizo noted.
And, of course, anyone can visit the library to select a book of their choice or use the digital resources that are available.
"We are always happy to help you find your next favorite title," said Perrizo.