The Swampscott Public Library is inviting readers of all ages to cozy up with a good book this winter through its “Genres and Gingerbread” reading challenge, which runs through March and offers prizes for participation.

“Any time we have a break, we want to have a fun way to keep them reading stories,” Sarah Giardina, the head of reference and teen services, said. “The kids here like to have something to work toward. They’re readers without the challenge, but they like the challenge. They’re competitive.”

Readers ages 10 through adulthood are encouraged to get cozy with their choice of material from Monday, December 22 through Tuesday, March 10. The theme is “Genres and Gingerbread,” and any reading format — including novels, audiobooks, newspapers, graphic novels and manga — counts toward the challenge. Registration is open until Monday, January 5.

“For the challenge, anything they read counts,” Giardina said. “Audiobooks or graphic novels, you’re getting something from all forms of reading. That’s all we care about.”

Lisa Julien-Hayes, head of children’s services, started the winter reading challenge in 2021 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the summer of 2020, the library operated entirely online.

“I felt that the kids in 2020 missed out on the summer reading experience and did not get to experience a reading challenge,” Julien-Hayes said. “When we opened, we were by appointment only, but I thought ‘How about we have a reading challenge this winter to get people back into the library?’”

The first year’s challenge was called the Snowball Challenge. When families drove up to the window to pick up and drop off books, the librarians were able to punch holes into the challenge bookmarks, “piling up the snowballs.”

“We had a lot of people in that challenge. I would say upward of the 80s,” Julien-Hayes said. 

This year, the “bigger kids” are the ones most interested, Julien-Hayes said. Giardina has since taken charge.

With the Genres and Gingerbread theme, participants will receive a special reading bookmark to track their gingerbread pieces, with one gingerbread piece earned for each completed reading material.

Teen Advisory Board Member Emory came up with the theme, according to Giardina. 

“We talked about the structure, if there was anything they wanted to change,” Giardina said. “Last year, it was five books per thing, so it was 50 total…But talking to them (Emory) was like ‘I’m a perfectionist and I want to be able to finish it.’ I said ‘Heard.”

The challenge is now one reading material per punch, or gingerbread. At five gingerbreads, readers can come into the library and receive a packet of hot chocolate. At ten, they can receive a gingerbread cookie. 

Completed bookmarks also serve as raffle tickets, with prizes awarded to first-, second- and third-place finishers. First place will be able to choose some books and receive an Andrea’s Taqueria gift card. Second will choose a book with a gift card, and the third place will receive a book of their choice.

Registration is open in person at the library and online at https://swampscottlibrary.org/winter-reading-challenge-2025-2026/ until Monday, January 5.