Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Picture this: You’re snug under a blanket with your latest library haul. You even brought home t a book recommended by a staff member! You can’t wait to get a start on your 2026 reading goals. After reading, you’ll continue the cozy by streaming a movie on Kanopy. Later in the week, you plan to visit a new Library branch and pick out an honor puzzle.
All of the above are Winter Checkout Challenge activities! The 6-week long event kicks off Jan. 16 and runs through Feb. 28. What are you waiting for? You can participate by completing challenge bookmarks at any of our 41 locations, or from the comfort of your home. Open to adults ages 18 and over.
How Does it Work?
Participants will get a tote just for joining! Head to any of the Library’s 41 branch locations to sign up, grab your tote, and pick up a themed bookmark. Each bookmark includes five activities. Complete four of the activities on one of the bookmarks and return the bookmark for an entry to win a blanket. You can pick up the next bookmark while you’re there to keep the cozy going and get more entries for the blanket raffle. Once you reach the halfway point, return to your branch to receive a Winter Checkout Challenge collectible mug. You can also track your progress online using Beanstack!
Themes this year include: explore, cozy up, relate, new discoveries, personal pursuits, and reflect. Once you complete a bookmark, pick out a new theme (or repeat the same one). Learn more at chpl.org/winter.
A Cozy Night In & More Related Events
Along with completing the bookmarks, mark your calendars for related events throughout the duration of the Winter Checkout Challenge. The fun kicks off with A Cozy Night In at the Downtown Main Library on Friday, Jan. 9 from 6:30-9 p.m.
Enjoy a panel and signing with authors Abby Collette / Abby Vandiver (A Deadly Inside Scoop; Secrets, Lies & Crawfish Pies), Heather Webber (The Forget-Me-Not Library; Midnight at the Blackbird Café), and Kerry Winfrey (Just Another Love Song; Waiting for Tom Hanks).
Your $25 ticket can be purchased through Bookery Cincy's website.
Each ticket includes a book of your choice from one of our featured authors, a tote bag, cookies, warm beverages, crafts, and also supports The Library Foundation.
Winter Checkout Challenge Book Recommendations
Are you looking for your next read? Peruse and check out titles from this staff-curated list!
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