Winter reading challenge for kids and adults

Hastings District Libraries’ inaugural Turn up the Heat winter reading programme for adults kickstarts on July 3. Acting libraries manager Shelly Hudson found a comfy spot to read a few chapters.

Hastings District Libraries' inaugural Turn up the Heat winter reading programme for adults runs from July 3 until August 25.

After offering reading programmes for children for more than 20 years, a recreational reading programme was developed by staff to encourage more reading by adults over the cold winter months.

When registrations opened on Monday, 30 people signed up, although final numbers are unclear.

Acting libraries manager Shelley Hudson said there was no limit on how many people could take part.

"Turn up the Heat is open to adult readers aged 16 and over. You can do as little or as many challenges as you wish, but we dare you to be the best reader you can be. If you decide to register half way through, you can. We've made it as simple as possible for our adult readers to enjoy," Ms Hudson said.

There are 12 fun reading challenges and as an incentive, once people have completed one or more, they are entered in a weekly prize draw and a chance to win the main prize of a tablet to enjoy your e-books.

Challenges include reading a banned or challenged book, rereading a childhood favourite, reading the book that's been on your to-be-read list and a book that is based in a country you would like to visit.

The children's reading programme, Winter Warmers, started on Monday and runs until August 4.

Since registrations opened on June 19, spaces have been filling fast with just over 100 of the 750 places available across the three libraries.

Registration is via the website www.hastingslibraries.co.nz and e-books are available to download for free from their e-lending libraries.

For the less digitally inclined, they can go into the Hastings, Flaxmere or Havelock North libraries and staff will set them up with a registration and a challenge card.