A Picture Paints a Thousand Words!
For readers, a book represents a transformative piece of art that uses the written language to paint a story. So, the 2025 Winter Reading Challenge celebrates the art of reading with the theme, Works of Art.
Whether you enjoy the visual arts, the musical art form, the act of creating, or people’s personal experience with the art of living, we have something waiting for you in the stacks!
The Winter Reading Challenge is an opportunity for adults (ages 18+) to celebrate leisure reading and earn an incentive—the limited-edition 2025 Winter Reading Challenge mug—by reading ANY five books in two months. (And we do mean ANY five books! Not into art? You can still celebrate the art of reading by diving into any five books that interest you!
And new this year, the Winter Reading Challenge will be open to kids and teens as well! Youth 17 and under can read ANY five books to earn a small prize.
Make sure to mark January 2-March 15 on your calendar, and prepare to introduce some new works of art into your reading life.
Want to enhance your reading experience?
Join a branch book group, or check out an online book discussion. The Library will also be offering a variety of programming for those either wanting to create art or just those interested in learning more about the arts and artists throughout history.
- Adult readers (18+) may join online by signing up for a Beanstack account or picking up information at any MCPL location.
- Check out the Suggested Readings lists (see below) for recommendations. These titles have been selected by Library staff to provide a quality reading experience.
- Read any five books of your choosing between January 2 and March 15, 2025. Titles do not have to be included on the Suggested Readings list or within the WRC theme.
- List those five books on the online Reading Log beginning January 2 or pick up a paper log at any branch to track your progress. Once you have completed the Challenge, return the log to Library staff at any branch by March 15.
- Participate in discussions and programs hosted by MCPL staff on social media and at our programs.
- After you complete the Challenge and have logged your books online or turned in your log to your branch, claim your mug* at any branch while supplies last. Kids and teens (17 and under) will also receive a prize while supplies last.
If you post online about what you are reading, use #mcplwinterread to stay connected!
*Due to manufacturing and shipping delays with our current supplier, Mid-Continent Public Library’s custom 2025 Winter Reading Challenge mugs are temporarily unavailable for pickup. Our hope is to have all the complimentary mugs in stock by the end of March for participants to pick up at their local branch, and we will update customers as soon as they arrive. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Winter Reading Challenge FAQs
What are the dates of the program?
The program begins on January 2 and ends on March 15. All books must be logged in Beanstack or paper logs turned in to an MCPL branch by that date.
If I live outside of Kansas City, can I still participate?
We welcome anyone to participate, but only those living within the library's service district are eligible for a limited edition prize.
Can I only read books from the recommended list?
No, you can read any title you’d like!
Do audiobooks count? What about graphic novels?
Both audiobooks and graphic novels can be logged towards your goal.
Do my personal books (not checked out from the Library) count?
Yes, you are welcome to read books in your home collection.
Do books I read to my kids count?
Yes. However, while all books count, we encourage you to challenge yourself with teen or adult titles. The Winter Reading Challenge was created to encourage adult leisure reading.
Do I have to use the online tracking system?
No, you may use a paper log. Contact your branch to pick one up when you visit the branch or through curbside service.
What do I do if I have a paper log?
Drop off your paper log at the information desk or drive-up window at your local MCPL branch. Any paper log received by the end of March 15, 2025, will count for WRC completion.
How do I get a Winter Reading Challenge booklet?
Booklets are available inside the branch or through curbside service. If you’d like to pick one up through curbside service, contact your branch to request one.
When can I pick up my mug?
Mugs will be available as soon as they are received by the Library. If you complete the challenge before mugs are available, you will be given a redemption card to bring back to your local branch once mugs are available.
How long do I have to pick up my mug?
Due to manufacturing and shipping delays with our current supplier, Mid-Continent Public Library’s custom 2025 Winter Reading Challenge mugs are temporarily unavailable for pickup. Our hope is to have all the complimentary mugs in stock by the end of March for participants to pick up at their local branch, and we will update customers as soon as they arrive. We apologize for the inconvenience.
The Art of Fiction
The Art of Fiction
These contemporary fiction books feature art as a major theme and/or artists as main characters.
Art of All Kinds Fiction
Art of All Kinds Fiction
When we think of art, we often think of painting or sculpture. But art comes in many forms: fashion, graphic design, photography, floral design, jewelry-making, video games and more!
Narrative Nonfiction
Narrative Nonfiction
Just as art is dynamic, so is nonfiction! This list features a variety of stories from a peek behind the curtain of the art world, personal exploration of art, art and true crime, and much more!
The Arts and You
The Arts and You
This list features titles that allow readers to explore the impact of various art forms in their personal lives.
Everyone’s An Artist
Everyone’s An Artist
This list features titles that allow readers to understand creativity, look at art with new eyes, and read what it's like to pursue a creative passion later in life!
Graphic Novel Adaptations
Graphic Novel Adaptations
Are you new to graphic novels? An adaptation or retelling of a story you're familiar with can be a great place to start!
Nonfiction as Art
Nonfiction as Art
Nonfiction graphic novels offer an engaging reading experience with visual representation of what is unfolding within the story. This list features historic events, prominent figures, and more!
Graphic Novels: Fiction
Graphic Novels: Fiction
Graphic novels are more than just superheroes (though those are here too). No matter what genre you like to read, there's a graphic novel for you!
Notable Artists
Notable Artists
This list features notable artists of the visual, musical, and theatrical variety.
Life of the Artist Fiction
Life of the Artist Fiction
These fiction books explore the fictionalized lives of famous artists, their muses and subjects, and their works, or take inspiration from historical time periods and the role of art during those events.
Life Is Art
Life Is Art
These personal stories told through the graphic novel medium offer readers an intimate and engaging look at the authors' lives that will resonate.
The Art of Language
The Art of Language
Art is not just a subject of books -- great writing can be an excellent art in itself! Here are some exemplary examples of the art of fiction.
Works of Art for Littles
Works of Art for Littles
Picture books are like magical paintings that come alive with words. Our theme, "Works of Art," celebrates the magic of books and the incredible stories they tell. Let's read, imagine, and create our own masterpieces!
Works of Art for Kids
Works of Art for Kids
Join our 2025 Winter Reading Challenge and get ready to unleash your inner bookworm! Our theme, "Works of Art," celebrates the awesomeness of books and the incredible stories they tell.
Works of Art for Teens
Works of Art for Teens
Get ready to unleash your inner artist! This curated list of teen books celebrates the world of art, featuring talented artists, and the power of creativity.