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Start off the New Year of 2014 by joining a winter reading program at Harford County Public Library.
Harford County Public Library has a winter reading program for teens and adults, a Puppy Tales early literacy program for children ages birth to 5 and new Book Groups to Go to make reading with friends fun and easy.
This year's Make Reading Your Winter Sport program encourages high school teens and adults to be gold medal readers in a Winter Olympics year.
Participants can register at any branch or online at HCPLonline.org.
Upon registering, participants will receive a special pen. For those adults who read or listen to at least five books and teens who read or listen to at least three books, completed book lists can be returned between Jan. 9 and March 1 to receive a commemorative mug. Giveaways are while supplies last.
A special insider's look at the Olympics is planned to build excitement before the start of the games. High school students and adults can join University of Delaware scholar and Director of International Olympic Committee's Olympic Solidarity Fund Matt Robinson at the Fallston Library on Tuesday, Jan. 28 at 6:30 p.m. to get an insider's view of international sports and what the future of Olympic Games may hold. Registration is suggested by calling 410-638-3003 to register.
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You can also visit HCPLonline.org to find book reviews, book lists and recommended reading through BlogaBook, NoveList and My Next Good Book. Lists include books by subject, interest, best sellers and award winners. Harford County Public Library also offers free eBooks and audiobooks which count toward completing the program.
eBooks can be checked out through Axis360 or Overdrive and audiobooks can be downloaded through Hoopla and OneClickDigital at HCPLonline.org/books/download.
To make group reading a fun and convenient way to complete the Winter Reading Program, Harford County Public Library is launching its new Book Groups to Go, 10 titles of a selected book along with a book moderator's binder together in a sturdy canvas bag. Bags are available at the Bel Air Library or can be sent to any branch for convenient pickup.
Harford County Public Library is also pleased to host Puppy Tales, an early literacy focused Winter Reading Program for children ages birth to 5 years. Puppy Tales highlights the importance of early literacy and encourages participation in daily activities that strengthen pre-reading skills.
Parents and caregivers can register their children for the Puppy Tales Winter Reading Program at any Library branch or online and receive an activity log with 12 simple but fun learning activities based on five early literacy practices — talking, singing, reading, writing and playing.
Once 10 of the 12 activities are complete, return the activity log and children will receive a certificate and special completion prize! Each Library branch also features a special display offering assorted book lists and handouts that offer information and tips on at home activities to continue building the foundation for reading and learning. Go to HCPLonline.org/earlyliteracy for more information.
The 2014 Winter Reading Program is supported by Advanced Eye Care, the Friends of Harford County Public Library and the Harford County Public Library Foundation. For more related books, databases, online resources, free programs or information, visit your local library branch or HCPLonline.org.