As 2024 winds down, Maricopa County Library District’s (MCLD) Winter Reading Program is kicking off, inviting adults to cozy up with a good book over the next two months—and maybe even win some prizes along the way.

Running now through February 16, 2025, participants can log their reading online at winter.mcldaz.org (English) or invierno.mcldaz.org (Spanish).

Unlike the Summer Reading Program, this initiative is exclusively for adults and designed to promote lifelong learning and the value of adult literacy and build a sense of community among adult readers, according to a press release.

How it works

Participants earn one point per minute for reading physical or electronic books or listening to audiobooks. Extra points can also be earned for completing themed online challenges.

If readers enter at least 60 points each week, they will automatically be entered into weekly drawings to win a Maricopa County Parks day-use pass, library swag bags, a book light or a “Rise and Read” sunrise alarm clock.

“Every year, we host this program to encourage adults to pause, take time for themselves, and rediscover the joy of a great story,” said Jeremy Reeder, Maricopa County Library District director and county librarian. “Whether it’s bringing a sense of enjoyment, igniting fresh perspectives, or sparking ideas for new beginnings, we hope this program will provide participants with a sense of joy over the cooler winter months.”

For the first time, MCLD is also encouraging participants to be a part of a Community Book Club and read the book “Animal, Vegetable, Miracle” by Barbara Kingsolver.

The book is available as an Audiobook and eBook through the library district’s Digital Library collection on Libby and Hoopla. Throughout the program, MCLD will encourage conversations about the book on its social media platforms.

MCLD is a special taxing district that operates 15 libraries countywide, including the Fountain Hills Library.

Each year, the Library District welcomes nearly 2 million visitors, holds thousands of free events and programs for all ages, and hosts Maricopa County Reads, the award-winning Summer Reading Program. For more information, visit mcldaz.org.