By Mark Bialczak

LPL Communications Specialist

The curious will discover a pair of programs available through the Liverpool Public Library website that can help start 2021 with adventurous activities, diverse discussions, colorful crafts and reliable reading suggestions.  

The arrival of January brings the Chill Out and Read Winter Reading Challenge and Around the World in 90 Days! Both programs have elements designed for children, teens and adults.  

Each program can be accessed at any time at READSquared, an easy-to-navigate site. READSquared can be found on the main page of LPL.org. 

The Winter Reading Challenge offers each age level the opportunity to earn raffle tickets for prizes by logging achievements and completing missions. 

The children’s challenge is great for families to pursue together, said Joellyn Murry, coordinator of the Children and Family Services department. 

“LPL strives to help parents not only improve their child’s reading skills, but also to connect with the community and discover new activities. Our Winter Reading Challenge offers book suggestions and activities that the family can do together, outside and in socially distant ways, like surprising a neighbor by shoveling their walkway, building a winter scene with items from around the house, and reading books they may not have tried before,” Murry said. 

The reading challenges run through Feb. 28. 

Also beginning this month, all ages will be able to find activities to broaden their horizons with Around the World in 90 Days! 

“The program planners at LPL love to see our community discover new places, learn new things, and grow from their shared experiences,” said Community Engagement Coordinator Maggie Foster.  

In January, programs and activities are designed to familiarize Central New Yorkers with Scotland. In February, the focus will move to Mexico. In March, all can learn about Japan. 

Murry said everybody can learn, empathize and make better connections.