Snuggle into Winter Reading with the Clayton Library
Escape the cold and dive into a good book with the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library’s 2025-2026 Winter Reading Challenge. Now through Saturday, February 28, participants can join the Cozy Up Winter Reading Challenge, a fun and interactive way to enjoy reading while staying warm indoors.
Readers are invited to complete nine simple activities arranged like a bingo card. Options include reading in pajamas, enjoying a baked treat while reading, visiting the library on a chilly day, sipping a warm drink while turning pages, or picking a story set in a snowy landscape. Completing all nine activities earns participants a chance to win a gift basket filled with treats for book lovers.
To get started, download the Beanstack app or visit hocuttellington.beanstack.org. Once signed up, participants can track each activity in the app. Library staff are also on hand to offer personalized book suggestions for anyone who wants a little guidance.
“Winter brings shorter days and colder weather,” said Circulation Supervisor Kate Tompkins-Gross. “Many people spend more time indoors, and reading can brighten those days. A good book lifts your mood, sparks your imagination, and helps you feel connected during a season that can feel quieter.”
The challenge also celebrates hygge, a Danish word that describes comfort, warmth, and calm. It’s about enjoying small joys like soft blankets, gentle lighting, warm drinks, or quiet time with a favorite story. The library designed the challenge to help readers slow down, savor peaceful moments, and enjoy the season in a cozy, comforting way.
“Hygge is all about pausing to enjoy moments of comfort, which can lift your mood and help you feel more connected to the world around you,” said Tompkins-Gross. “We wove that spirit into the challenge with activities that help readers relax, stay warm, and make reading feel extra special during winter.”
The Cozy Up Winter Reading Challenge is open to adults and encourages readers to embrace the season through stories, comfort, and creativity. Whether curling up under a blanket, diving into a cozy mystery, or exploring a book with a winter theme, the challenge offers a welcoming way to make reading part of your routine. For more information, visit claytonlibrarync.org.
