As a response to a recent question on our youth services staff listserv, we got a few great ideas:

“At Rice Lake Public Library we have a Mid-Winter reading Challenge.   During the month of January children can pick up a reading log.   If they read 25 books, chapters, or articles during the month of January they can bring the log back for a free book choice (we stocked up on Scholastic books at the warehouse sale).   Each child who completes the log also gets to put their name in a drawing for one of three Family Fun Packs.    Our family fun packs have things like a DVD, game, craft supplies, snacks, etc.” (From Heidi W.)


“The Hawkins Library has a “Take the Chill Out with a Good Book” promotion which runs the entire month of January. After checking out books, children preschool-16, may pick a scarf, hat or mittens from our snowflake tree, they also receive a pack of hot chocolate mix. They may receive one item per week.
 Adults are entered into a drawing for a warm & fuzzy basket awarded at the end of the month.
Everyone has a lot of fun with this and all items are donated, many are beautiful  handmade items.” (From Arlene M.)