The Troy Public Library is challenging children to read during the Christmas holidays. And, those who do will have an opportunity to win three terrific prizes.

Teresa Colvin, TPL children’s director, said children ages 6 -12 are eligible to participate in the Holiday Reading Challenge this is now underway. The challenge will end on December 26 at which time the winning names will be pulled.

“When a child checks out five books to be read, a receipt with the child’s name and telephone number will be entered in the Santa Gift bag for a chance to win one of the three mystery prizes,” Colvin said. “We are not revealing what the prizes are but any child would be thrilled to receive any one of them.”

The more books a child reads the more opportunities he or she has to win one of the prizes.

The prizes for the reading challenge have been donated by Friends of the Troy Public Library.

“We are very appreciative of the Friends of the Library’s support,” Colvin said. “We thank them for their interest in encouraging young people to read more.”

Colvin said the Christmas holidays are an opportune time for children to read books of special interest to them.

“The holidays are often thought to be a time for children to relax and have fun rather than a time to read,” Colvin said. “But the holidays are a great time for children to experience the joy of reading by allowing them to read holiday-themed books. Children are excited about this tims of year and they have time to read books they would not have time to read during a typical school week.”

Colvin said there is something almost magical about snugging up with book on a cold winter’s day or night.

Reading is a lifelong skill and the earlier children learn to enjoy reading, the greater the benefit, Colvin said.

“Reading just 20 minutes a day can make a huge impact on a child’s academic performance,” Colvin said. “So, the Troy Public Library encourages parents to give their children the gift of good reading habits. It will be a rewarding and joyful gift.”

The TPL will be closed December 22-25 for the holidays and will reopen on December 26. The drawing for the winners in the Holiday Reading Challenge will be on December 26, with first prize award to the child’s whose name is pulled first. Three prizes will be awarded.