Patrons of all ages will aim for reading gold during our 2026 Winter Reading Program
Join the fun from January 5-February 21, 2026 by tracking your reading and earning prizes along the way.
Read for 7, 14, and 21 days to earn “medals,” collect rewards, and get entries into our grand prize drawings.
Dive into a cozy mystery, rediscover a classic children’s book, or share stories together as a family — every day you read brings you closer to victory!
Winter Reading Games Opening Ceremony
Mon., January 5 from 10-11:30 a.m.
No registration required
Celebrate the start of our Winter Reading Games! Stop by any of our locations to pick up your reading log and make a craft.
Winter Reading Games Closing Ceremony
Sat., February 21 from 10-11:30 a.m.
No registration required
It’s the final day of our Winter Reading Games! Stop by any of our locations to turn in your reading log, pick up your prizes, and make a craft.
How the Winter Reading Program Works
- Pick up a log at any UAPL branch, or download one below.
- Mark a space on the log for each day you read.
- Bring your reading log into the library each time you reach a medal milestone. Show it to a librarian and you’ll receive a paper entry form to put into a specially-marked container for the prize of your choice.
- You’ll earn a bronze-level prize and drawing entry at 7 days, a silver-level prize and drawing entry at 14 days, and a gold-level prize and drawing entry at 21 days.
- Grand prize winners will be drawn and contacted at the end of the program.
The Grand Prizes
Featuring a $120 Round Table Games gift card, and a set of stackable D&D condition rings.
This prize comes with a curated book bundle, a Squishmallow, cozy blanket, and hot cocoa bombs.
Membership that provides one full year of benefits, including free general admission for two named adults and all children or grandchildren ages 18 and under.
In this bundle we feature a $50 Studio 35 / Grandview Theater gift card, the Disney edition of the Guess in 10 game, and a popcorn pack.
This bundle features 2 signed books and a signed Wild Robot drawing.
Programs and Events Today
- Miller Park BranchAll Day Event
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring in my reading sheet to pick up my prizes?
Yes. We encourage you to bring your reading sheet to the library with you each time you reach a medal milestone. You’ll get to choose a prize based on which medal you’ve reached: bronze, silver, or gold. You’ll also receive a ticket to enter the Grand Prize Drawing of your choice.
At the end of the program, you will turn in your reading sheet at the library so we can track program participation.
Are there any requirements for what we read or how long we read to mark a day? What kind of reading counts?
There are no requirements. We suggest 15-20 minutes a day, but you can adjust to your needs.
All reading activities count. Listened to an audiobook? Check! Listened to someone read a story out loud to you? Check–this counts for the listener and the reader! Read a graphic novel? Check! Sang nursery rhymes to build your baby or toddler’s pre-reading skills? Check–another activity that counts for both of you! Any reading or literacy activity counts for everyone involved, including babies and adults.
How do I submit my entries for the Grand Prize Drawing?
When you reach a medal milestone, you’ll bring your reading sheet to the library. Staff will give you a paper entry ticket that you will place in the prize container of your choice. All three UAPL locations have the same prizes available.
When I submit my prize entries, do I get to choose which prizes I hope to win?
Yes! Staff will give you a paper entry ticket when you reach a medal milestone, and you will place it in the prize container of your choice. All three UAPL locations have the same prizes available. You may enter for the same prize three times or enter for different options at each medal milestone. The choice is yours!
I love to read, and last year I finished the program quickly. Can I earn more prizes if I read for more than 21 days, or can I complete the program twice?
Great question! While we’d love to reward every book you read, our resources allow us to provide three prizes per participant for one program completion. The good news? The real magic of reading isn’t in the prizes: it’s in the stories, ideas, and adventures you discover along the way. We encourage you to keep that momentum going and explore all the amazing books waiting for you!
Why is the Winter Reading Program for all ages? Why not just kids?
Reading is for everyone! Reading is not only entertaining, but also a way to continue learning, even long after your school years. Plus, it’s not often grownups get to earn prizes for something. Indulge yourself in the fun of the Winter Reading Program. You deserve it!
If you have a child at home, being a reading role model is a powerful way to develop your child’s love of reading. If your child sees you reading and enjoying your reading experience, then they are more likely to find joy in reading as well.
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