Perfect weather to cosy up with a book

AS wintry conditions set in, staff at Heathcote Library are encouraging patrons to join the Warm Winter Read.

Back in its fourth year, the campaign encourages readers over 16 years of age across Victoria to cultivate healthy reading habits and to find more time to enjoy books over the cooler months.

To participate, register online at the Vic Reads website or by using a paper reading journal available at all libraries from 1 June.

Readers simply track and log their reading between 1 June and 31 August.

Participants can listen to an audiobook, flip through a graphic novel, browse a magazine, or curl up with a book.

Over the winter months, each day of reading is logged by ticking off the reading badges, regardless of whether the reading is for five minutes or five hours.

There are optional challenges to nurture regular reading habits and participants can write and submit a book review to share what they are reading to win prizes.

Author ambassadors Jo Dixon, Keshe Chow, Shaun Micallef, Melanie Saward, Kate Solly, John Morrissey and Jaclyn Crupi have featured books and a list of suggested titles on the website in a variety of genres.

Library services officer Ange Graystone said there is no better time to immerse yourself in a good book than during winter.

“It’s a great time to snuggle under the blankets when it’s cold outside,” she said.

“Staff are happy to recommend books and it’s always lovely and warm in the library.”

Warm Winter Read will run until 31 August.

Heathcote Library is open Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm and on Thursdays from 9.30am to 5pm.