Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Winter Reading Program all about?

The Winter Reading Program is an online reading program provided by Maricopa County Library District libraries for adults! Find a list of participating libraries here. The program runs from December 16, 2024 – February 16, 2025.The goals of the program are to foster a love of reading, promote the value of adult literacy, and build a sense of community among adult readers.

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 Winter Reading Program, they can read alongside as you participate! Our Summer Reading Program is for all ages so keep an eye out for the start of this program on June 1.

How do I signup?

Beginning December 16, 2023 sign up and create your account at https://winter.mcldaz.org or get help setting up an account at your Maricopa County library! Find a list of participating libraries here.

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, your goal is to reach at least 500 points by February 16. Challenge yourself to log 60 minutes each week for a chance to win awesome weekly drawing prizes. Learn more about our prizes here.

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 login and enter the minutes you read each day or log them all at once each week. Visit or call your library (602-652-3000) if you need assistance logging your minutes.

What if I miss a day of logging my minutes?

If 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 spent reading graphic novels, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks or even 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. Check out the challenges here.

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 be entered in to win the weekly drawing prizes. Learn more about our prizes here.

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 at the top of the screen. Click “Write a message” and the Winter Reading Team will get back to you.