Jefferson County residents can win a Barnes & Noble gift card and a blanket just by reading throughout the month of January.
The Jefferson County Library announced the “Cozy up with a good book” Adult Winter Reading Challenge on Dec. 18.
From Jan. 1-31, readers are encouraged to log their hours or how many pages they have read with the library for a chance to win several prizes.
By completing the challenge, readers will receive a library-themed mug. When the challenge is finished, the readers’ names will be entered into a drawing for the gift card and blanket.
Participants must be 18 or older and log more than five hours or 165 pages of reading during January.
Readers may pick up a log sheet for the contest at their local library branch or digitally log the information through the online Beanstack reading tool.
“Reading more is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, and settling in with a good book is a great way to slow down and practice some self-care after the hectic holiday season,” the library system’s interim director Cindy Hayes said in a written statement.
Digital logs are due Jan. 31, and paper logs are due back to the library Feb. 3.
“Readers may want to turn completed logs in early to pick up a mug while supplies last,” according to the statement.
Participants may choose from a range of reading materials to complete the challenge. In addition to reading books, library patrons may read magazines, which patrons may access through the mobile reading app, Libby; digital newspapers from the JCL website; or audiobooks, which can be streamed through the hoopla app.
The library also created a “cozy reading list,” with two dozen book suggestions, including “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams, “The Christmas Tree Farm” by Laurie Gilmore and “We’ll Prescribe You a Cat” by Syou Ishida. The full list can be found on the library’s website, jeffcolib.org/events/winter-reading-2025.
For more information, contact one of the library’s local branches: the Arnold Branch, 636-296-2204; the Cedar Hill Satellite, 636-551-1020; the Northwest Branch in High Ridge, 636-677-8186; or the Windsor Branch in Barnhart, 636-461-1914.