Winter Reading Challenge

Frequently Asked Questions

 Who can participate? 

Everyone! Babies, toddlers, children, teens, and adults. If your child hasn't quite started reading by themselves yet, you can still sign them up and read with them. 

How do I sign up? 

Once sign-ups start you can register on our special Winter Reading Challenge website and any time after. Just head to the website, create an account for yourself and your family, register for the program that's right for you, and let the fun begin! You can also sign up at your local branch.

How does it work? 

When you sign up, you can start reading library books and logging your reading online to get points. As you get more points, you unlock digital badges, games, and activities. At 1,000 points you complete the reading log and the Friends of the Library will donate a book to the library in your honor. You get to be the first person to check the book out and can sign your name inside!

Which program should I register for? 

We have four programs based on age: Pre-K, Kids, Teens, and Adults. No matter which program you choose, you will log reading for points. Pre-K and Kids get stickers and toys for reaching milestones. The only other difference is the recommended reading lists and the activities available online.

Do I need an email address to register? 

Yes. If you don't yet have an email address they are free. Please visit the website Online Tech Tips on how to get a free email account.

Do I need a library card to register? 

Yes. If you are a child and you don't have a library card but someone in your family checks books out for you, you can use their card. For adults, if you don't have a card, it's easy to get one. Please visit the Library Cards page for more information.

How do I get points? 

You get points by logging your reading. On the website or app click 'log reading' or the pencil icon to log either books or pages. Library staff can log your reading for you if you need help.

Should I log books or pages? 

It's up to you! When you log books, each book is worth 50 points. When you log pages, each page read is worth 1 point.

Can I read eBooks or listen to audiobooks? 

Yes! To figure out how many pages these types of books have look up a physical copy of the book on the library catalog to find the number of pages to log for an ebook or audiobook. Just search for the title of the book, click view details on the entry in the list with the format of the book, and the number of pages will be listed in the physical description. Library staff can assist if you need help.

My child can't read by themselves, can they still sign up? 

Yes! Children who can't quite read on their own yet can still sign up and you can record the books that you read together.

What are the prizes? 

Reading is its own reward, but we also offer prizes to make the program more fun. 

Kids

• Kids get a sticker for every 50 points they earn on their reading log. They also earn digital badges on the website. 
• Those who finish the challenge by earning 1,000 points get to pick out a book and put their name inside. They get to be the first person to check it out!

Adults & Teens

• Adults and teens earn digital badges on the website.
• Adults are entered for a chance to win a gift basket filled with new books.
• Adults and teens that finish the challenge by earning 1000 points also get to be the first to check out a brand new book with a commemorative bookplate inside.

Prizes are provided in part by the non-profit Friends of the Lake County Library.

What if I have more questions? 

Please contact the library either online, over the phone, or by visiting your local branch. Library staff members will be happy to assist you.