Have you read a good book lately? Here's your chance to join children and adults throughout the county and explore the many places books can take you! Beginning on Monday, March 9, and concluding on Friday, April 3, this year's March Reading Challenge is again comprised of 20 school days.

It's easy and fun to participate. Students and adults set a daily reading goal for the four-week Challenge period, record this goal on their contracts and then fill in the number of minutes they spend reading each day. All participants who meet their goals will be eligible for the prize drawings held in early April.

"Thank goodness for the Reading Challenge!"   ~ former reluctant reader, age 10

Since the Challenge was created to help students and adults develop the habit of reading daily for pleasure, weekend reading is also strongly encouraged. K-12 students who read on weekend days will be eligible for a $100 gift certificate to an area book store.

Reading Challenge bookmarks will be available at local schools, libraries and book stores in early March. Please note that the 10% discount coupon for book stores, found on the student contract page, is for student use only.

Most students and their parents participate through their local school, and they will return their contracts to school by Monday, April 6. Home schooled students and adults without a child in public school must get their contracts to The Book Cellar at 120 Main Street in Brattleboro by noon on Thursday, April 9 for the prize drawings.

"The Reading Challenge is what got me reading."   ~ new adult reader

The following 2009 Reading Challenge documents are available for school, library or home use. Both the School and Library packets contain an explanatory letter (addressed to parents or to residents) as well as student and adult contracts.

• Reading Challenge School Packet
• Reading Challenge Library Packet
• Reading Challenge Prize List

The following document is for families with very young children:

• Read With Mom and Dad calendar

"Your materials are excellent, making it easy for schools to implement a program that truly excites children about reading."   ~ school librarian

Please feel free to contact us with any questions! (802) 257-5725 or wcreads@sover.net.