Montgomery County Public Libraries is partnering with the Washington Wizards and Friends of the Library Montgomery County (FOLMC) to bring back the Winter Reading Challenge for young readers up to age 18. This year's theme, "Active Bodies, Active Minds," is set to encourage kids to engage in both reading and physical activities starting from Dec. 21 through March 16, 2025. County Executive Marc Elrich praised the initiative saying, "I am glad that our libraries have teamed up with the Washington Wizards and the Friends of the Library for another year of the successful Winter Reading Challenge. This program is a great way to inspire our young residents to stay active and engaged, both physically and mentally, while encouraging healthy habits and a love of learning. I hope families across the County will take advantage of this opportunity to connect, grow and enjoy," as noted by the county's press release.
Children from birth to 18 are eligible to participate in the challenge. The event kicks off with a special celebration at the Wheaton Community Recreation Center on Saturday, Dec. 28. Kids will receive a bingo gameboard and a voucher for a free book, courtesy of FOLMC, with the opportunity to win prizes such as swag packs, medals, and even tickets to a Washington Wizards game. Registration opens Dec. 21, with details available on the county's website.
Not only the youths but also adults aged 19 and up can take part in their own Winter Reading Marathon challenge. By reading for 26.2 hours during the challenge period, grown-ups can receive a car magnet to celebrate their accomplishment along with a chance to snag a prize basket. To keep track of their progress, participants of all ages can use the READsquared platform. This digital tool simplifies to easily monitor both reading and physical activity goals. According to Montgomery County's press release, the platform ensures no milestone goes unnoticed or unrecorded.
