Perhaps the most well-known event at public libraries across the nation is the Summer Reading Program. Some, like Chillicothe Public Library, also host a Winter Reading Program. Turns out, this is more than just a stunt to get people to check out more books. 

There are a lot of reasons libraries host reading programs, but often a priority is combatting the loss of literacy skills when school is out of session. We’ve all heard the old adage, “If you don’t use it, you lose it,” which can hold true for our brains as well as our bodies. According to the Illinois Library Association’s iREAD initiative, “National research finds that students who participate in library summer reading programs scored higher on reading achievement tests at the beginning of the next school year than those who did not participate” (https://www.ila.org/initiatives/iread). For those needing a little extra motivation when there is no assigned reading from school, library reading programs can make it fun to stay in shape!

While this is especially important for young people, whose brains are still developing at a rapid rate, there is also great benefit for adults in reading for fun and for information. Our minds continue to grow and change throughout our lives, and reading can help adults stay mentally sharp, while fostering curiosity, creativity, knowledge, and empathy. For adults, library reading programs can add a fun challenge to their routine, or jump start a new reading habit.

As important as reading is, literacy extends beyond the words on a page (or on a screen, or in your earbuds) and encompasses many aspects of communicating, creating, interpreting, and understanding the world. This is one reason that libraries not only encourage people to read, but also offer programming that promotes multiple facets of literacy. These include programs that encourage question-asking and critical thinking, foster creative expression, and provide tools and information for understanding and engaging in civics, health, technology, and more. 

If you are ready to start building a lifelong reading habit that will keep your brain in shape and bolster a wide range of literacy skills, Chillicothe Public Library’s Winter Reading Challenge runs December 11 through January 14. The program is open to all ages—adults, too!—and offers some fun incentives (like a special cookie from Happy Thought Coffee). Details and information on how to sign up are available at www.chillipld.org or by calling 309-274-2719.