What is winter reading all about?

The Winter Reading Program is an online reading program for adults! The program runs from December 12, 2022 – February 12, 2023. This year’s theme is “Book Your Voyage”. The goal of the program is to foster a love of reading and promote the value of adult literacy. We are also collaborating with the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office to offer a paper version of the program in an effort to encourage literacy among adults experiencing incarceration.

How do I signup?

Beginning December 12, 2022 sign up and create your account at https://winter.mcldaz.org or get help setting up an account at your MCLD library!

How does it work?

You can earn points, unlock badges, and win prizes by reading and completing challenges. You will earn one point for every minute that you read and earn extra points by completing challenges. Challenge yourself to log 60 minutes each week for a chance to win awesome weekly drawing prizes and earn 500 points by February 12 for a chance to win the grand prize. Learn more about our drawing prizes here.

Why is the Winter Reading Program for adults only?

The Winter Reading Program is an opportunity for your library to focus on promoting lifelong learning, the love of reading, and providing literacy resources for adults. Even though kids are not able to participate in the online program, they can read alongside you as you participate! Our Summer Reading Program is designed with kids in mind so keep an eye out for the start of this program June 1.

How do I log my reading?

The reading log is located in the center of your dashboard (what you see once you have logged into your account). Enter the number of minutes you have read and click “Submit.” You can also track your reading by entering the minutes read plus the title and author of the book. View your list of titles by selecting “My Profile” and “Books”. You can log minutes read each day or log them all at once each week.

What if I miss a day of logging my minutes?

If you prefer to log your minutes every day and you miss a day, you can log them the next time you remember! We currently do not have a way to backdate these minutes.

What counts as reading?

Reading in all formats counts! You can count minutes you spend reading graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks or reading aloud to someone else!

What are digital badges?

Badges are in-game marks of achievement. They can be earned by entering minutes or completing challenges.

How do I change my Avatar?

Once you have logged into your account, you can click on the “Select an avatar” icon on the left of your screen. You can use the arrows on the right and left to choose one of the Winter Reading characters as your avatar. Once you are happy with it, click “Select Avatar.”

How do I add family members to my account?

From your main page, click on “My Profile” on the menu bar. Click “Family,” then “Register New Family Member” or “Add existing participant to your family” if they already have an account.

I have reached 500 points already. Now what?

Help us reach our countywide minute goal and continue entering those reading minutes. If you continue to enter at least 60 minutes of reading per week you will also continue to be entered in to win the weekly drawing prizes.

What do you do with my info?

The library will never share your personal information—privacy and confidentiality is essential to the Winter Reading Program and us. We will only use your name and contact info to alert you about important winter reading updates or if you won a prize.

What if my question isn’t answered here?

Once you are logged in, click the Mail icon (envelope) at the top of the screen. Click “Write a message” and the Winter Reading Team will get back to you.