The days are getting shorter, there’s a chill in the air, and ’tis the season to cozy up with a warm beverage and a great book. At the library, that can only mean one thing: it’s almost time for our annual Winter Reading program!
If you’re new to it, Winter Reading is our cozy counterpart to Summer Reading, dating all the way back to 2012, when the library was temporarily located in the mall during renovations.
Running from December 10 through January 31, this year’s program is an all-ages game of Book Bingo designed to help you expand your reading horizons and take time to read and relax during the colder months.
Starting December 10, you can regsiter and pick up a Book Bingo card (or print one at home). Just for signing up, you’ll get a sticker and your choice of a free book.
Read books that match the categories on your card and mark off your squares. This year, we’re leaning into the nostalgia of the season with our fun, retro bingo card designs. For kids: Read (or be read) 5 books for a bingo. For adults: Read 3 books for a bingo.
Finish a bingo, get a mug (while supplies last!), and earn a raffle ticket. Keep reading, complete more bingos, and collect additional entries.
Easy, cozy, fun. Learn all about the program at chapelhillpubliclibrary.org/winter-reading.
Festive winter events
Help keep the winter blues away with our events this season. Plus, fill this year’s Book Bingo card “free choice” space by reading or by attending a library program. Here are some highlights:
- Friends of Chapel Hill Public Library Big Book Sale – December 5–7
- Chapel Hill–Carrboro Holiday Parade – December 6
- Upcycled Gift Wrapping Party – December 17
Bring your gifts and drop by for free hot cocoa, festive music, and beautiful (and sustainable) wrapping supplies. Wrap with us or just make recycled bows, tags, and cards. - Witnesses to Wild Beauty: New Year’s Nature & Gratitude Journaling – January 11
Ease into 2026 with a reflective, creative workshop led by writer and interpretive guide Margot Lester. - Book Bar Trivia: Winter Reading Edition – January 22
Meet us at Northside District for a night of book-themed trivia, cozy vibes, and prizes for the top teams and best team names.
Celebrate the season
Take a chilly walk in Pritchard Park to see our newest StoryWalk, grab a hot drink from B3 Coffee, or sit for a bit at our community puzzle table. Here are a few more ways to spend your winter at the library:
Food Drive for PORCH (Dec. 5–31)
When you bring a donation for PORCH, you’ll help support local families and earn an extra raffle ticket for Winter Reading.
Best Books of the Year Lists
Our staff-curated “best of” lists are right around the corner—perfect for choosing your next read, the perfect holiday gift or building your 2026 TBR list.
Holiday closure
The library will be closed December 24–28 and January 1 for the holidays, but your reading doesn’t have to pause! Fill in your Book Bingo card by reading eBooks or listening to audiobooks on the Libby app, or get a head start on your New Year’s goals and explore our robust collection of online resources, including Transparent Language, Ancestry.com, online magazines, research databases, and more.
CHPL Online store
Shop our cozy crewnecks, totes, tees, and more if you need last-minute gifts or just want to show your library love.