News shared from the Isle of Wight Council:
Isle of Wight Libraries are set to ignite a passion for reading with the launch of their 2025 Book Bingo challenge, offering participants the chance to win a £50 book token.
Starting on 3 February, this year-long initiative will be available at five Isle of Wight Council-run libraries — Freshwater, Newport, Ryde, Sandown, and Ventnor.
The Book Bingo challenge is designed to encourage readers to explore new genres and authors.
Participants will receive a bingo card with 25 squares, each containing a unique reading challenge hidden under a scratch-off panel.
Development librarian, Louise Emery, said: “Once you find out what your challenge is, you simply find a book to read that fits the challenge.
“Our Book Bingo challenge not only promotes reading but also sparks wonderful conversations between library staff and participants. Many readers have discovered and enjoyed books they might never have chosen on their own.”
To join the challenge, readers can visit any of the participating libraries and sign up with a staff member to receive their bingo card. Library staff are on hand to offer book recommendations throughout the year.
Readers who complete all 25 challenges by December will be entered into a prize draw to win a £50 book token, generously provided by the Friends of the Library groups. Each library will hold its own draw, offering a total of five book tokens to be won.
For more information and to stay updated on library news, visit the Isle of Wight Libraries website at www.iow.gov.uk/thelibrary and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/iwlibraries