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Winter Reading Challenge 2025: Be a Reading Machine

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This winter, dive into the world of engineering, robots, inventions, and artificial intelligence with this all-ages reading challenge! Explore exciting books and hands-on activities to spark your creativity and imagination to harness your inner innovator. Power up your curiosity and become a true reading machine!
 

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Program Details

  • Program runs January 1st - January 31st
  • For readers of all ages
  • Read a combination of books, hours, or complete Be a Reading Machine activities to claim prizes.

Program Rules and Reading Log | English – PDF icon Spanish

Finisher Prizes for All Ages

 
Youth ages 0-11 will receive:
  • Bendable robot
  • One (1) pass to San Diego Air & Space Museum
Teens and adults (ages 12+) will receive:
  • Special-edition robot ODI pin
Prizes will be available for pick up from January 3 – February 7.  View library locations and hours here.
 
Prizes given while supplies last. Please read museum pass for additional details.

 Winter Reading Challenge Kick-off Celebration

 

Photo of the front entrance of the Pacific Highlands Ranch Library with "Be a reading machine" in white on a blue background and "Winter reading challenge Launch" in white on a red banner ribbon.

 

Tuesday, January 7 |  5 p.m. - 7 p.m. | Pacific Highlands Ranch Library

Get ready to power up your winter with the 2025 Winter Reading Challenge: Be a Reading Machine! This year, we’re diving into the exciting worlds of engineering, robots, inventions, and artificial intelligence.

Join us as we kick-off the challenge with interactive STEM activities and more, designed to help you explore your inner innovator! Whether you’re a kid or a kid at heart, this all-ages challenge is your ticket to thrilling books and hands-on activities that will spark your creativity, ignite your imagination, and help you become a true reading machine!

 

Activity Descriptions

 

  1.  Attend a Library Program: Visit one of our locations to participate in storytime, Craft/Maker activities, or special programs throughout January. Youth can also attend one of DiscoverU's interactive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) programs. Search the Library events calendar for more program info.
  2. Discover How Machines Work: Learn about the science behind machines by creating simple machines through DIY projects, watching a documentary or film, or visiting SDPL’s Patent & Trademark Resource Center to explore innovations throughout history. You can also delve into the lives and achievements of inventors at the National Inventors Hall of Fame who have created groundbreaking inventions and machines.
  3. Invent and Develop Creations: Use everyday items like cardboard, straws, or string to build projects such as a  popsicle stick bridge,  marshmallow catapult, or a gliding paper robot. If you have an invention idea, try Design Squad Global's online build tool to design it or explore the U.S. Patent Office’ Journeys of Inspiration.  Visit our Innovation Lab or IDEA Labs, where staff can help you bring your creative ideas to life with amazing maker equipment like 3D printers, sewing machines, and laser cutters.
  4. Explore Artificial Intelligence: Take advantage of free online AI tools like ChatGPT to understand how AI works and how it can improve your daily life. Use AI to create art through platforms like OpenArt. You can also take a free Gale Course on artificial intelligence with your library card or use Python to create your own AI chatbot that can be programmed to perform simple tasks.
  5. Create with Coding: Learn about the role of memory, patterns, and sequences in coding, and teach your children these concepts. Play the classic game “Simon Says” or try the peanut butter sandwich-making robot activity to develop memory and sequence skills. Use free online tools like Code Academy, Code.org, Hour of Code, or MIT Scratch to develop coding skills through fun and interactive modules.

Reading Recommendations

 

Presented by:

Black background with Sponsor logos (left to right) SD Air and Space Museum. Library Foundation SD, Friends of the San Diego Public Library, and San Diego Public Library

Presented by Library Foundation SD, Friends of the San Diego Public Library and San Diego Air & Space Museum

For other questions or concerns, call 619-236-5800 or email weblibrary@sandiego.gov