Beat the Winter Blues with Our Cozy Winter Read Challenge!
- Laura Eckert
- 4 hours ago
- 2 min read

By Laura Eckert, Digital Specialist
Let's be real – January can be a bit of a bummer. The decorations are down, the cookies are gone, and suddenly we're left staring at a whole month of cold, gray days. But here's the thing: we've got the perfect antidote to those post-holiday blues, and it involves blankets, books, and yes, fuzzy socks.
What's This Challenge All About?
From January 1-31, we're inviting readers of ALL ages to join our Cozy Winter Read Challenge. The goal? A totally manageable 300 minutes of reading – that's just 10 minutes a day. Whether you're 5 or 95, this challenge is for you.
And the best part? Everyone who joins gets a free pair of fuzzy socks. Because nothing says "cozy reading time" quite like warm, toasty toes. Pick yours up at any of our 10 branches starting January 2 (but hurry – they're while supplies last!).
As you read, you'll earn digital badges for every 30 minutes logged. And once you hit that 300-minute goal, you're automatically entered to win a basket full of cozy winter goodies. We're talking the kind of prize that makes you want to hibernate with a good book all season long.
So... What Can I Read?
Here's where we're super chill: read whatever you want. Library books, books from your own shelf, audiobooks, graphic novels, magazines – if you're reading it, it counts. We're not picky.
Got kids? Reading to them counts for BOTH of you. Listening to an audiobook during the school drop-off chaos? That's reading time for everyone in the car. Bringing your little one to storytime at the library? Yep, those minutes count too. We're all about making this work for real life.
Need Some Reading Inspo?
Look, we get it – sometimes the hardest part is figuring out what to read next. Lucky for you, we LOVE talking about books.
Here's where to find your next great read:
Ask us! Seriously, stop by any branch and chat with our staff. We promise we won't judge your reading taste.
Check out our website – we've got book lists for days
Browse our catalog – tons of suggestions right at your fingertips
Sign up for Recommends – our monthly book suggestion email that lands right in your inbox
How Do I Track My Minutes for the Cozy Winter Read?
We've made this super easy with options for everyone:
Option 1: Download the Beanstack App – it's got a built-in timer, so you don't even have to do math.
Option 2: Use the Beanstack website – also has a timer, if apps aren't your thing.
Option 3: Go old school with a paper log and enter your minutes later. (And if you're thinking "I have no idea how to do this," just swing by any of our branches and we'll help you out!)
Ready to Get Cozy?
Here's your game plan:
Sign up for the Cozy Winter Read Challenge
Start reading on January 1 and log those minutes
Grab your fuzzy socks from any branch starting January 2
Keep tracking through January 31
This January, don't just survive winter – thrive in it. One cozy page at a time.
