Montgomery County Public Libraries Partners with Washington Wizards to Promote Youth Reading and Literacy Through ‘Reading Challenge’ Running from Jan. 3–March 20

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 3, 2024

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) and the Washington Wizards have teamed up with the D.C. Public Library, Prince George's County Memorial Library System, Alexandria Library, Arlington Public Library and Fairfax County Public Library to get kids and teens reading this winter with the “Wizards Winter Reading Challenge.” The free challenge, designed for kids and teens ages 3-19, will run from Wednesday, Jan. 3 through Wednesday, March 20.

To help promote youth literacy across the District, Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area, the Wizards Winter Reading Challenge will provide 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 all year long.

“It is important to make reading enticing and attractive for children and to keep them reading through their teen years,” said Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich. “A great way to promote life-long reading is to connect readers with books that capture their attention. I am pleased the Washington Wizards are working with our public libraries to make those connections.”

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 also will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win two tickets to the Wizards’ home game on Friday, April 12, against the Chicago Bulls.

“We are thrilled to team up again 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 Montgomery County Public Libraries 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.” 

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

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Release ID: 24-001
Media Contact: Jennifer Garfinkel 240-962-1506
Categories: Library