When we think of reading programs, a lot of us automatically think about summer reading programs at our local libraries. But, what about winter reading programs? Winter in Illinois is the perfect time to break out that book, cozy up and get lost in a story. I've compiled a list of the local libraries around Downers Grove, Elmhurst & La Grange, IL offering winter reading programs for kids and adults and most of them even offer some great prize incentives! Woot! Woot!
December 20, 2025 - February 28, 2026
Pack your imagination and get ready for adventure! Whether you are exploring magical kingdoms, traveling through time, or blasting off to outer space, Reading Takes You Places! Pick up a reading log at the Library or download a log to start your journey and see where reading takes you this winter! Participants who check in at the Kids' Library for their 40 days of reading by Jan. 28 can receive a bonus log to continue their reading journey. Get some Winter Reading suggestions from our Kids’ Library reading experts!
December 15, 2025 - January 31, 2026
Chase away the winter chill! Complete six reading activities to earn a prize packet and a ticket for our amazing prize baskets. Want to turn up the heat? Complete all the activities to earn an additional ticket for the baskets! Register on Beanstack to participate online, or grab a paper tracking form at the Library.
December 20, 2025 - February 7, 2026
Kids: Each reading log will have you track the amount of time spent reading depending on what grade you are in.Return your completed reading logs to the Library before February 7, 2026 to receive a completion prize bag and be entered into a grand prize drawing.A grand prize drawing will also be held. Winners will be contacted after February 14, 2026.
Adults: Read or listen to 3 books from OBPL and review them! When you sign up, you will receive either a mug, a pair of gloves, or an ice scraper for your car. Return your completed reading logs to the Library before February 7, 2026 to be entered into a grand prize drawing. A grand prize drawing will be held. Winners will receive a gift basket and a $50 gift card to a local restaurant. Winners will be contacted after February 14,2026.
January 2, 2026 - February 28, 2026
This winter, you can Paws to Read with our Winter Reading Program beginning on Thursday, January 2. Both the adult and youth programs are free, easy, and open to everyone! Visit the library in person to pick up a printed log book (for youth) or bingo card (for adults). Those who prefer to log reading online can do so using Beanstack, available at https://vppl.beanstack.org/reader365.
December 1, 2025 - February 2, 2026
Adults: Play digital bookish BINGO through Mon, Feb 2 to earn drawing tickets that can be entered for chances to win prizes. You can earn up to seven tickets: one for getting a BINGO, one for filling your card, and five bonus tickets for completing randomly selected challenges. Each BINGO space has a different topic to guide your reading, from reading a book set in winter to revisiting a childhood favorite. New for 2025, we've added four fun challenges featuring some of our favorite spots around Lombard!
January 5, 2026 - January 31, 2026
Winter Reading for Birth-Grade 5, Starting Monday January 5, pick up your Winter Reading Log, goodie bag, and check out a mystery book to check out and unwrap. Wrapped books and goodie bags are available while supplies last. Complete your log by Sat., Jan. 31 and you’ll receive a prize!
January 5, 2026 - March 5, 2026
Read for 4 hours and complete 8 activities. Log all your hard work! Receive a coupon for a FREE bagel from Jimmy's bagels, as well as a book of your choosing. You will also be entered into a drawing for a prize basket full of goodies!
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Looking for more winter fun to stay busy? Check out our Guide for Winter Boredom Busters!
