Read to Win a Kindle Fire at Marion Public Library

Interested in a little winter reading? How about winning a Kindle Fire?

Right now, the Marion Library is offering both opportunities through its new reading program for adults. This marks the first year staff has held the program during winter, though library volunteers regularly offer an adult summer reading program.

The new program requires participants to register online or at the library and log their reading. For every two books, e-books, or audio books completed, readers earn a chance to enter a drawing for the grand prize: a Kindle Fire. Staff will announce the big winner on Feb. 16, during a finale event including author visits and readings.

The library plans to offer weekly drawings as well, with prizes sponsored by local Marion businesses like Huntington’s Restaurant, Ramsey’s Metro Market, and Purse-N-Ality.

By dark on Jan. 7, the program’s first day, roughly 45 people had already registered — more than usual, according to library staff.

Library assistant Nancy Easley said this may be due to the new online registration tool, a feature past adult programs lacked. In addition to being more tech savvy, the new program also gets participants more involved in their books, Easley said.

“We’re more interested in what they’re actually reading,” she added, noting participants pick their own books and write comments about them.

The winter program may seem more straightforward than its summer counterpart, as well, said Jo Pearson, assistant director at the Marion Library. 

“It’s just basically read books and fill out a reading log,” she said.

This event is part of library staff members’ goal to add more adult programming to the library’s calendar. Easley said they hope to increase participation from a young adult crowd, while still reaching older adults.