Looking to jump start your New Year's resolution to read more books?
The Denver Public Library may help keep you on track.
DPL's Winter of Reading program is now up and running and continues through Feb. 28. The goal of the program is to increase engagement with the public through reading challenges, meet and greets and some fun decorating. And there's an opportunity to win prizes.
The program features a mix of events and reading recommendations that are posted online. Some events include "Book Buzz," where participants can head to designated locations and speak with DPL's reader advisory experts. Those experts can help folks choose a book based on their preferences.
Other events include a decorate your own bookmark hour, drag book bingo, a used book pop-up sale, a celebration of Chicano poetry and a virtual chat with author James Mustich, just to name a few.
There's also the books. DPL has selected books with a "wintry read" theme such as "The Drift" by C.J. Tudor and "Batman - One Bad Day: Mr. Freeze" by Gerry Duggan with art by Matteo Scalera. There's also the "mementos from home" category with books such as "Between Two Moons" by Aisha Abdel Gawad and "These Toxic Things" by Rachel Howzell Hall. DPL's also has a winter movie list and titles in Spanish.
DPL said the Winter of Reading program is ideally for adults ages 18 and older.
So, how do you win the prizes? By completing the challenges, of course. Folks need to either pick up a brochure at any library or print one out online. The brochures are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic.
Complete at least five activities noted on the brochure and then trade the pamphlet in for a limited edition scarf or travel mug. Some of those activities include rereading a book you loved when you were a child, checking out a cookbook and trying a recipe or attending one of the program events.
Below is a list of some of the events for January from DPL. Check DPL's website for future events and don't forget to check out the other useful resources the library has to offer. Happy reading!
Book Buzz
Need help choosing a book or two? Let DPL's reader's advisory experts help you their Winter of Reading Book Buzz.
Thursday, Jan. 11; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Comrade Brewing Company: 7667 E. Iliff Ave. (21+)
Wednesday, Jan. 17; 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Ross-Cherry Creek Branch
Saturday, Jan. 20; 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Green Valley Ranch Branch
Tuesday, Jan. 23; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Ratio Beerworks: 2030 S. Cherokee St. (21+)
Thursday, Jan. 25; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Copper Kettle Brewing Co: 1338 S. Valentia St. (21+)
Decorate a Bookmark
Decorate a custom bookmark. All supplies provided.
Saturday, Jan. 13; 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Hampden Branch
Saturday, Jan. 20;2 p.m. to 3 p.m.; Woodbury Branch
Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Ross-University Hills Branch
Drop in any time during open hours; Hadley Branch
Drag Book Bingo
Head to Seedstock Brewery to play bingo for books and library goods. Hosted by local drag performers.
Wednesday, Jan. 17; 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Seedstock Brewery: 3610 W. Colfax Ave.
Battle of the Books with James Mustich
Join DPL for a chat with author James Mustich, before battling it out with a panel of special guests all arguing that their pick is best. The audience will then vote on the winner.
Friday, Jan. 19; 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Virtual
Used Book Pop Up Sale
Pick up a Winter of Reading activity brochure at any library location for a free book voucher redeemable at a pop up sale hosted by Denver Public Library Friends Foundation. Proceeds support Denver Public Library.
Saturday, Jan. 27; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Ford-Warren Branch
The Dawn of Chicano Poetry
Sunday, Jan. 28; 1 p.m. Rodolfo "Corky" Gonzales Branch
According to DPL, "Spanish poems published after 1848 helped U.S. native Spanish speakers express opinions and connect with their Mexican homeland while promoting solidarity on both sides of the border. This presentation analyzes and critiques several poems mined from digitized newspapers using optical character recognition technology."
