It’s Not Too Late to Join the Winter Checkout Challenge 

Our second annual Winter Checkout Challenge is in full swing, and there’s still time to get in on all the fun and enter to win amazing prizes like a Kindle Fire HD 8.  

It’s simple: Check out library materials, either at our locations or from the comfort of your home, then fill out your tracking card either online or on paper. Complete at least five of the 10 activities by Feb. 289 and you’ll be entered to win. 

You must be 18 years of age or older to enter. All participants will get a Winter Checkout Challenge 2021 tote bagwhile supplies last. 

What Participants Are Loving 

From checking out new books or rereading old favoritesto enjoying movies, CDs, vinyl albums, eBooks, audiobooks, and more, thousands of library cardholders have entered the Winter Checkout Challenge. Many of you discovered library resources and materials you hadn’t heard of before.  

Lots of folks have loved checking the 100 Years Ago Today in Cincinnati digital exhibit on our new website.  

“[The website] is easier to navigate than before,” said Debbie B., a customer who uses the Green Township Branch. [There are] lots of ways to find books of interest! Easy to find up to date info such as libraries closing for the weather.”  

Deborah H. of Symmes Township agrees. She likes the ability to save materials to checkout later. “I often find items when browsing but I know I don't have time for them right now. I love being able to track items so I don't forget about them, she said.  

Others are thrilled to discover the Library offers free access to Ancestry.com. 

“Ancestry Library Edition has kept me awake at night far past my normal bedtime,” said Andrew C., who visits from the Norwood Branch. “Being able to access this resource at home is a huge benefit. I couldn't imagine spending nearly the same amount of time doing this research if I had to be present at one of the branches.” 

Since the Winter Checkout Challenge launched, you’ve dived into Black History Month events and programming and signed up for Book Hookup, Creative BugTreehouseLyndaDiscoverPasses and more.  

Becky A. from Madeira was able to make an appointment for her mother to get the COVID-19 vaccine thanks to our vaccine information page that she came across while exploring the new website.  

Many folks didn’t realize they could access newspapers like the New York Times, Washington Post, and Business Courier, which typically have a paywall, using a library card. Chris G. from Pleasant Ridge discovered the world of eMagazines. “Glad I can find some interesting magazines without subscribing to a dozen different ones,” he said.  

Register Today 

This is just a taste of what some of the community has uncovered as they take part in the Winter Checkout Challenge.  

Visit the Winter Checkout Challenge webpage for more information and to register today. Follow us on social media @cincylibrary for more ways to win fun prizes.  

Special thanks to The Library Foundation of Cincinnati & Hamilton County for their contribution to this program.