Library reading program offers ‘Escape’ this winter

Boulder City Library is inviting area residents to “Escape the Ordinary” this season through its winter reading program.

The program for adults and teens 13 and older begins Tuesday and ends March 13 with a literary scavenger hunt, party and presentation of the grand prize.

Participation is simple: Read or listen to a book or attend any of the library’s special events during the program. Then, participants are asked to fill out an entry slip, which is available at the circulation desk, and be entered into weekly and grand prize drawings.

According to Deanna Duffy, head of adult services, the idea behind the reading program is to get more people involved in the library.

She said they offer a variety of activities throughout the winter program including crafts such as a book wreath, book safe, and tablet/eReader book cover, as well as events including the foodie feastivals and movies. Even attending a library board of trustees meeting counts, she said.

Duffy said the library staff continually tries to find events and activities that will interest patrons. They ask for suggestions on the reading program entry slips.

“We’re here doing things we think you would enjoy. You just need to take advantage of it,” she added.

The best part, she said, is that there is no cost to participate. Although some of the events ask for a $5 deposit, that money is returned when you attend the event.

“Sometimes it’s even the same $5 bill,” she added.

Something unusual Duffy is trying is inviting readers to go on a blind date with a book Feb. 1-14. She said readers will be given a short description and a genre of the books, which will be wrapped to hide the title and author.

Reading program prizes will include a Ninja Master Prep blender, Whole Brain Game, stylus pens and color-changing cups and rulers.

According to Lynn Schofield-Dahl, library director, the library serves an average of 1,900 people a month providing books to check out, access to computers, free Wi-Fi, periodicals and programs.

She said 65 percent of the city’s population base has active library cards, meaning residents check out books at the Boulder City Library at least once a year, and that is the largest percentage per capita in the state.

Still, both Duffy and Schofield-Dahl would like to see more people take advantage of the programs offered at the library.

“I just hope people come in and enjoy books in the library as much as I enjoy books in the library,” Schofield-Dahl said.

Boulder City Library is at 701 Adams Blvd. For additional information, call 702-293-1281.

Hali Bernstein Saylor is editor of the Boulder City Review. She can be reached at hsaylor@bouldercityreview.com or at 702-586-9523. Follow @HalisComment on Twitter.