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CHECK THIS OUT: Bingo at the Nelson Public Library

Avi Silberstein writes about the library’s summer contest
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Heather Goldik, the library’s adult services co-ordinator (and creator of Library Bingo). Photo: Submitted

Sometimes in life you need an incentive. A gentle push in the right direction. A carrot dangling in front of you, just out of reach (the right incentive if you’re a horse — if you’re a human, maybe not so much).

Here at the library, we’d like to help you live up to your summer reading aspirations by inviting you to participate in our Library Bingo challenge. It’s simple: all you have to do is pick up a Bingo card at the library (or print one off our website) and get reading.

Complete five squares in a row (horizontal, vertical, diagonal), then submit your card (or a photo of it) for a chance to win.

We’ve got weekly book prizes in July and August, monthly grand prizes of gift certificates from local businesses, and of course lots of library swag to give away.

Much like book clubs, reading challenges often encourage you to read outside of your comfort zone. They open the doors to rooms you’ve never entered, and invite you in. They nudge you.

As for me, I’m going to fill out my Bingo card retroactively (which is not allowed, but what’re they going to do, fire me?). I think I’ll go with that second column.

“Read a book published this year.” That one’s a gimme. I just finished reading “Who is Maud Dixon”, a suspense novel with more twists and turns than the road to Ainsworth. It was superb.

“Try a graphic novel.” OK, this is getting interesting. We’ve got an adult graphic novel section at the library — but also a teen one. Both are filled with fascinating books. I recently read “Talking to Strangers: A Memoir of My Escape from a Cult”. It was eye-opening and unputdownable.

“Check out a cookbook and try a recipe.” Let’s cheat this one a little bit. Check out an issue of our Cooks Illustrated magazine and make something from that. It’s my favourite magazine in our collection.

“Read a YA or middle grade book.” Now you’ve got a choice to make. You’re either heading to the Young Adult corner, which is bursting with beautiful book displays and eye-catching covers, or you can come downstairs and take a walk down memory lane by rediscovering the first Nancy Drew book, J.K. Rowling’s new “The Ickabog,” or the hilarious (yes, even for adults) “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series.

Last but not least: share this BINGO with someone you know.

Easy — I think I just did.

BINGO!

Find our Summer Bingo instructions (and the bingo card) here: https://nelson.bc.libraries.coop/library-services/summer-bingo/

Avi Silberstein is the Children’s Librarian at the Nelson Public Library. Check This Out runs every other week. If you’re interested in learning more about library programs and services, sign up for our monthly newsletter on our website or by giving us a call.

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Play Bingo using this card to win prizes from the Nelson Public Library.