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Blizzard of Books @ Erie County Public Library: Home

This guide includes information on the Blizzard of Books winter reading challenge at Erie County Public Library.

Blizzard of Books: Winter Reading Challenge

        

 

Readers of all ages are invited to experience a wondrous winter season by participating in the Blizzard of Books winter reading challenge! This year, the reading challenge draws inspiration from Jan Brett's wintry classic, "The Mitten."

From December 2 to January 31 we're boasting extra library programs and presenters, hosting community "read-ups" and more to keep you reading & thriving instead of hibernating!

Erie County readers of all ages are challenged to fill their mitten and score a BINGO for entries into weekly prize drawings. Finish the Brett Book Bonus for additional entries to win! Check out this year's details below.

Blizzard of Books: Challenges

The Blizzard of Books winter reading challenge runs from December 2, 2024 - January 31, 2025 and participants will receive a prize entry for each challenge they complete:

  • Mitten Reading Challenge: Readers of all ages must complete 160 minutes of reading (ideal for experienced and established readers) or 8 books (ideal for emerging and listening-only readers). This interactive challenge calls on readers to embrace their creative side by coloring the animals and customizing your mitten-- yes, even adults! Library will proudly display completed mittens at our locations as a community art project.
  • Book Bingo Challenge: Get a BINGO when you complete squares with book suggestions, reading locations, and engaging with library programs & services. 5 squares in a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line; 4 corners; and postage stamp BINGOs will complete this challenge.
  • Brett Book Bonus: The Blizzard of Books challenge may take its inspiration from Jan Brett's "The Mitten," but have you read her other favorite titles? Read at least 10 of her books from our collection to complete the Brett Book Bonus! Don't be fooled, these books are not only entertaining for children. Experience her beloved stories and trademark artwork again, or for the very first time.

Readers may complete as many challenge sheets as they like! Every completed challenge sheet is another entry into the prize drawing of their choice.

 

 

Programs & Events

Save the date for these upcoming programs and preview the next 2 weeks' program lineup below. Visit events.erielibrary.org to find ALL programs at our libraries.

Blizzard of Books FAQ's

How do I register?

Patrons may register at any ECPL location beginning December 2. When you register, you will get (while supplies last):

  • Activity challenge sheets to work on throughout the winter. All ages will receive the same challenges.
  • A free children's book themed to the challenge, while supplies last.

When do I turn in my challenge sheets?

All completed activity challenge sheets are due January 31 before the libraries close. Participants are encouraged to turn in a challenge sheet as soon as it is completed.

How many challenges can I do? 

Any amount! Participants can complete any single challenge, multiple challenges, or multiples of the same challenge. Each completed sheet becomes one (1) entry into our weekly prize drawings!

What are the prizes?

Prize drawings are not restricted by age; enter to win any prize you like!

Every week, we will draw for a: Gift Card, Prize Basket, and Experience.

There are so many prizes that our libraries can't display them all! All libraries have a prize board which lists the options and you tell our staff which prize drawing to submit your entry.

Prizes Include:

Gift Cards to local and book stores

Themed Baskets- perfect for gifting (or keeping!)

Experiences- passes to enjoy local attractions and entertainment

Should I turn in challenge sheets at different libraries? 

Participants from all locations will be pooled into the prize drawings, there is no advantage to registering or completing challenges at specific locations.

Printables

All resources below are shared for reference and online viewing/sharing. Patrons must register in-person at any library location. All pages are available for pickup at any library location; patrons need not print their own.

Giving

The Blizzard of Books includes a giving component. This is not a challenge but a way for patrons to help each other during the cold winter season:

  • Ever-GIVE Tree: Patrons may donate handmade or purchased winter accessories for display on our library's Ever-GIVE trees. Donate what you can, take what you need.
  • Coats for Kids, with Behrend Outreach Association: From Dec 2-12 all library locations will accept donations of good condition winter items (clothing, coats, blankets, boots, outerwear) to be shared with the Coats for Kids drive. All sizes are appreciated; please donate only new and packaged socks.