Montgomery County Public Libraries Joins ‘Washington Wizards Winter Reading Challenge’ for Young Readers

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and the Washington Wizards have teamed up with the D.C. Public Library (DCPL), the Prince George's County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), the Alexandria Library and the Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) to get young people reading this winter with the “Wizards Winter Reading Challenge.” The free challenge, designed for ages 3-19, is now underway and will run through March 31.

To help promote youth literacy across Maryland, the District and Virginia, the Wizards Winter Reading Challenge is providing participants with the ability to connect with their local library while encouraging them to build a positive reading culture. School-aged children and teens can sign up and earn badges that encourage reading for pleasure, joining interactive events and building healthy habits that they can add to their routine throughout the year.

“We are thrilled to team up with the Washington Wizards for the Winter Reading Challenge. The Wizards are an important institution in the DMV area and a big part of life for their many fans," said MCPL Director Anita Vassallo. “This Challenge is a fun way to inspire children, teens and their families to enjoy reading, visit their local library, connect with their community and find different ways to be physically active this winter.” 

Participating is easy: 

• Sign up online via MCPL’s website.
• Print a game board at home or pick one up at your local library.
• Read any book of your choosing for 20 minutes a day and complete fun activities to

receive points and earn badges. 

• Earn the Reading badge and at least two other badges focused on Fitness Fun, Programs or

Connect and Share by March 31 to complete the Challenge. 

Those who complete the Challenge will be eligible for a variety of prizes that will be available at their local library while supplies last. They will also be entered into a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to the Wizards’ home game on April 9 against the Houston Rockets.

Register for the Wizards Winter Reading Challenge at https://www.dcfamily.com/winter-reading-challenge or by visiting MCPL’s website or any of MCPL’s 21 locations.

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Release ID: 23-018
Media Contact: Neil H. Greenberger 240-205-1915