Winter Reading Challenge promoted for sixth consecutive year by county’s Libraries and Historical Resources staff

Program runs through Jan. 31

The Sarasota County Libraries and Historical Resources Department is joining the annual Winter Reading Challenge for the sixth consecutive year, county staff has announced.

“Sponsored by Beanstack, the challenge aims to encourage readers of all ages to look to the future while diving into how reading boosts our emotions,” a news release explains.

This year’s theme, All the Feels, focuses on the history of emojis and expressing oneself through enjoyable activities, “all while earning badges on a virtual bingo card,” the release adds.

“The county’s goal is logging 50,000 minutes of reading,” the release points out. Logging hours, and submitting book reviews are among ways to participate in the challenge, it adds.

“This is an amazing opportunity for the community to really explore how reading impacts their everyday lives,” said Libraries and Historical Resources Director Renee Di Pilato in the release. “Discovering a new book or revisiting one of your favorites can foster a sense of connection, achievement and more.”

The sixth annual Winter Reading Challenge runs through Jan. 31. The program is free and open to all ages, the release notes. Registration may be found by visiting Beanstack.

For more information, call 311 or visit scgov.net.