Nitya Nara

Vishmi Rajapaksha is a junior who is interested in reading books as she participates in the Winter Reading challenge. She is continuing to read and achieve her goal in winning this challenge. “Reading keeps me busy and it’s something I love to do on daily basis,” Rajapaksha said.

 Library staff started the Winter Reading challenge Dec. 1 and it will run until Feb. 29 to increase student engagement in reading. 

The challenge gives students opportunities to read and win rewards. MaryKate Mortland is one of the librarians who is in charge of the winter reading challenge. Certain guidelines must be followed in order to win the challenge. 

“In order to be invited to the breakfast they must read at least 3 books from the different categories and then 4 more books in order to put their name in the drawings,” Mortland said. 

Every year, there are well over 100 people willing to participate and read books over the winter break, on average. Mortland explains the process of achieving the rewards through this challenge. 

“Students need to finish the crossword puzzle as they read the books in 9 different categories and the idea is that they take one of the words from the title and fill it in the crossword and whoever has most of these points get prizes accordingly,” Mortland said. 

Junior Charlotte Kerr is participating in this winter reading challenge. She spent the Winter break reading because she enjoys reading books. Although there can be many challenges involved in achieving this. 

“I love reading books, as it is one of my hobbies,” Kerr said. “Some of the challenges that occur in achieving this challenge is getting distracted. Especially during the break, it can be hard at times to read. Although, my interest in reading different books will help me achieve this challenge.”