Mid-Continent Public Library Haunts Readers During Annual Challenge
Mid-Continent Public Library’s annual Winter Reading Challenge for adults will return this January 15 through March 15! As always, participants are encouraged to read five books during the two months for the chance to earn a commemorative coffee mug and win prizes, including the grand prize of a B&B Theatres Golden VIP Card, which provides free admission to films for one year!
The theme of this year’s Challenge is “Chills and Thrills,” a nod to the spectacularly spooky stories of the horror genre, but any five books will count! For those who enjoy goose bump-inducing tales, the Library has a wide range of creepy, hair-raising reads for Challengers to enjoy—from slashers and psychological thrillers, to old-school classics.
To participate in the Library’s Winter Reading Challenge, readers are asked to sign up and track their reading online at mymcpl.org/WinterReading or by keeping track on a paper log available at all MCPL branches. Those who want to make the most of their Challenge and meet fellow fright-enthusiasts can attend one of the Library’s themed book groups or virtual events on Facebook (facebook.com/groups/WRC2022).
During this year’s Challenge, the Library has partnered with B&B Theatres to host a film series for those who love a spooky cinematic experience as well. The series will be held at B&B Theatre locations once a month on Wednesday nights at 6:30 p.m., including the Grain Valley Marketplace 8 theater (1131 NE McQuerry Road, Grain Valley, Mo.), the Lee’s Summit 16 theater (1451 NE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit, Mo.), and the Liberty 12 theater (1903 Victory Dr., Liberty, Mo.).
Admission to the film series is free, but registration is required at mymcpl.org/WinterReading. Concessions will be available for purchase.
Winter Reading Challenge Chills and Thrills Film Series:
• January 19 – Jaws (1975, PG)
• February 23 – Poltergeist (1982, PG)
• March 16 – The Birds (1963, PG-13)
For more information about the Winter Reading Challenge, including instructions on how to participate, details about events, and suggested readings, visit mymcpl.org/WinterReading.
–Emily Becker
Here are a few terrifying tales recommended by MCPL staff to get you started:
