Winter Reading Programs 2026 in Milwaukee's North Shore

When Wisconsin's winter winds pick up and daylight vanishes by 5 PM, there's nothing quite like curling up with a good book. The North Shore libraries get it, which is why they've lined up fantastic winter reading programs for 2026. Whether you're in Whitefish Bay, Shorewood, or the North Shore Library communities, there's a reading challenge waiting for you—complete with incentives, events, and community spirit. Here's everything you need to know to get cozy and start earning those prizes.

Why Winter Reading Matters

Winter reading programs do more than just encourage turning pages. They help families stay engaged during those long, dark months when seasonal sluggishness is real. Kids maintain their literacy skills while school's out, adults finally tackle that towering nightstand, and everyone discovers new favorite authors together. Plus, prizes and community events transform reading from a quiet activity into something fun and social.

Whitefish Bay Public Library – Winter Reading 2026

Program Runs: January 17 – February 28, 2026

Whitefish Bay's program kicks off with genuine excitement and maintains it through winter's end with three distinct tracks for different ages.

The Kickoff Party

Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 17, 10–11 AM at Whitefish Bay Public Library. The whole family is invited to celebrate reading with free donuts, crafts, games (including giant Connect Four and ring toss), and the chance to pick up your registration materials on the spot. It's a perfect introduction to the program and a fun reason to get out of the house during winter's first month.

For Adults

Adults register online through Beanstack starting January 20. The system is straightforward: for every two hours of reading, you earn one ticket (up to 50 per participant) to enter into prize drawings. But there's more—you can earn bonus tickets by writing brief book reviews or completing fun bonus tasks like following the library on social media.

The prize pool includes gift cards to local Whitefish Bay businesses, courtesy of the Friends of the Whitefish Bay Library. Every page you read brings you closer to a chance at something special.

For Teens

Teens get to embrace old-school charm with paper reading logs, available starting January 15 from the Youth Services desk. Here's the nice part: any format counts. Novels, ebooks, audiobooks—it all goes on the log. As you complete logs, you earn entries into prize drawings and immediate small rewards. The Friends of the Library make this program possible, ensuring teens stay motivated all winter long.

For Kids

Kids of all ages, from toddlers through elementary school, grab a paper log starting January 20. The philosophy here is beautifully inclusive: kids read whatever appeals to them—picture books, chapter books, or listen to audiobooks. Even being read to counts. As children hit reading milestones, they earn fun incentives like stickers, toys, and book rewards.

The Kiwanis Club of North Shore Milwaukee sponsors the kids' program, and they're the ones providing those delicious donuts and games at the kickoff party. These community partnerships make the program truly special.

How to Get Started

Adults register online via Beanstack on the library website starting January 20. Teens and kids simply stop by the library and pick up their paper logs—no complicated sign-up process required. Staff at the Youth Services desk are happy to answer questions and help families get rolling.

Finish Strong

Remember to log all your reading by February 28. Participants who complete the challenge receive a certificate, and winners are notified about their prize drawing wins. The library makes it easy to participate however works best for your family.

Shorewood Public Library – Winter Reading 2026

Program Runs: January 19 – February 28, 2026

Shorewood's approach emphasizes fun and gamification across all age groups, with slightly different mechanics for each.

Kids – "READ-IT!" Children's Challenge

Children in K4 (pre-K) through fifth grade are invited to this special program. Starting January 19, kids pick up a reading log and a collectible READ-IT! pin at the Children's Room desk. Here's how it works: for every hour a child reads (or is read to), they place a star sticker on their pin. Once eight stars are earned, they bring the completed pin back for a goody bag prize that includes treats plus a coupon for a free slice of Ian's Pizza.

But here's the real celebration: on Saturday, February 28, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM, the library hosts a pizza party for all participants. Kids and their families gather in the library program room for pizza, festivities, and a chance to wear their proud star-studded pins. More pizza courtesy of Ian's, thanks to the Kiwanis North Shore Milwaukee sponsorship.

Teens – Media Literacy Bingo

This year's teen challenge turns reading into a game. Teens pick up a bingo card at the Adult/Teen Reference Desk starting January 19. Each square represents a literacy challenge or reading-related activity—maybe reading a book from a new genre, evaluating a news article for credibility, attending a library event, or writing a review.

To win, complete five squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, or diagonal) and turn your card in. Every completed card enters the teen into a prize drawing. Prizes include gift cards, books, and other teen-friendly goodies. The Friends of Shorewood Public Library fund this interactive challenge, making it possible to reward every participant who completes a bingo.

Adults – Read & Review Challenge

Adults can participate by picking up a reading log at the information desk or downloading it from the library website. Each time you finish a book or audiobook, jot down a one- or two-sentence review or note. Log it on paper or use the online form—whatever works for your schedule.

Each completed entry is one ticket in the prize drawing. There's no limit—the more books you read, the more entries you earn. Shorewood typically offers about ten prize packages for adults, often $25 gift cards to local businesses and restaurants. Submit your logs by late February or early March, and then watch for the drawing results announced in early March through the library's newsletter or social media.

How to Join

No library card required—Shorewood's programs are open to all community members. Kids and teens simply drop by starting January 19 to grab their materials. Adults can pick up a paper log or find the online link on the library website or in the e-newsletter. It's designed to be easy and accessible for everyone.

North Shore Library (Fox Point, Bayside, Glendale, River Hills) – Winter Reading 2026

Program Timing: January 2026 (with extended access into early February)

North Shore Library's 2026 program tells a unique story of adaptation and community spirit. The library relocated to its new Bayside location in early February, but that didn't stop the reading challenge.

A Program for All Ages – Together

Unlike other communities with separate tracks, North Shore Library ran one unified Winter Reading Challenge through Beanstack for kids, teens, and adults together. This created a shared community experience where families could all talk about what they were reading.

The platform was especially smart given the library's temporary January closure during the move. Patrons could participate entirely online or on their mobile Beanstack app from home, then pick up their earned prizes at the beautiful new location when it opened February 2.

How It Worked

Participation was simple: join the winter challenge on Beanstack, log your reading and activities, and earn prizes for hitting your reading goals. Kids had age-appropriate targets (like reading 5 books or 300 minutes), teens logged their books with their own milestones, and adults aimed for goals like reading 3–5 books in January.

As participants logged reading, they earned digital badges, small toys, free books, coupons to local attractions, and entries into prize drawings. The library tailored challenges by age group while keeping everyone on the same platform.

Registration and Access

Signing up was seamless: patrons registered on Beanstack through the library's website or Facebook page with just a few clicks. Those who preferred in-person help could wait until the new building opened in February and register at the service desk. Library staff remained available by phone and email during the closure to help with any Beanstack questions.

If you were already a Beanstack user from summer reading, you simply logged in and enrolled in the winter challenge. Logging reading was equally straightforward—just enter your books or minutes on the Beanstack app or website, and Beanstack notified you of earned prizes and raffle entries.

The Grand Reopening Celebration

Because the library was mid-move, there was no traditional kickoff party in January. Instead, the Grand Reopening in early February doubled as the reading challenge celebration. Patrons who finished reading in January could pick up their earned prizes while touring the beautiful new facility. The library gave special recognition to winter readers in newsletters and online, creating a sense of shared accomplishment across the community.

Community Partners

The Friends of the North Shore Library and local North Shore businesses (in Bayside, Fox Point, and Glendale) donated gift cards and prizes, making the program possible while supporting the community. Even during a major relocation, library staff organized the entire challenge and kept readers engaged, showing incredible dedication.

Quick Comparison: Which Program Fits Your Family?

Choose Whitefish Bay if: You want an organized kickoff event, enjoy paper reading logs alongside online options, and love the sense of structure with clear start/end dates and varied mechanics for each age group.

Choose Shorewood if: You love gamification (bingo! collectible pins!), want a guaranteed community celebration (that pizza party is real), and appreciate programs designed to feel like fun rather than a chore.

Choose North Shore Library if: You prefer a unified family experience where everyone participates together, appreciate flexibility and adapting to change, and like the convenience of all-online participation with in-person prize pickup.

Practical Tips for Winter Reading Success

Set a Realistic Goal

Whether it's three books or thirty minutes a week, choose a target you can actually hit. Winter reading should be enjoyable, not stressful.

Mix Your Formats

All three libraries accept books, ebooks, and audiobooks. Audiobooks are perfect for commutes, exercise, or multitasking. Don't feel limited to physical books if that doesn't match your life.

Explore New Territory

Use your reading challenge as an excuse to try authors, genres, or topics outside your usual comfort zone. Winter is a perfect time for discovery.

Make It Social

Talk about what you're reading with friends, family, or library staff. Many participants find that discussing books motivates them to finish and try new ones.

Mark Your Calendar

Don't miss kickoff events or final submission deadlines. Put them in your phone now so you don't accidentally miss the prize drawings.

Ask for Recommendations

Library staff are fantastic at suggesting books. Stop by, tell them what you've enjoyed, and ask for their picks. They love helping readers find their next favorite.

Why These Programs Matter for Your Community

Winter reading programs seem simple—you read, you possibly win a prize—but they're actually about something bigger. They keep our communities connected during isolating months. They remind kids that reading is joy, not just schoolwork. They give adults permission to prioritize a good book. And they celebrate local businesses through prize partnerships.

The North Shore libraries understand that winter in Wisconsin is real and long, but it doesn't have to be lonely or inactive. By creating these programs, they're saying: "Let's read together. Let's discover new stories. Let's stay engaged and warm."

So whether you're in Whitefish Bay picking up a reading log at the kickoff party, a Shorewood teen working toward pizza and bingo, or a North Shore reader logging your fifth book on Beanstack from your couch, you're part of something meaningful.

Get Started Today

Whitefish Bay: wfblibrary.org – Registration begins January 20 for adults; kids and teens grab logs starting January 15–20

Shorewood: shorewoodlibrary.org – All programs begin January 19; no registration required

North Shore Library: northshorelibrary.beanstack.org – Register online anytime; new building opens February 2

Winter 2026 is coming. Bundle up, grab a book, and join your North Shore library's reading challenge. Your cozy corner awaits.

Happy reading!