It’s that time of year - Winter Challenge has arrived at DC Public Library! From Dec. 9, 2024 - Feb. 28, 2025 children and teens can sign up to check out great reads, enjoy fun events and participate in healthy activities for a chance to win great prizes from DC Public Library and The Washington Wizards. Participating is easy!  

 

1. Register | Visit your neighborhood library to pick up a paper gameboard or sign up online using Beanstack starting on Dec. 9. (If you've participated in any of the Library's reading programs in the past, you can log in to your existing account with your username and password.) You can also download a print version on our website!

 

2. Play | Complete five activities in a row on your Winter Challenge Bingo board—vertically, horizontally, or diagonally. Once you have five in a row, you've got Bingo!

 

3. Claim Your Prize | Visit any DC Public Library with your complete gameboard or show your Beanstack completion to collect your prize and enter the grand prize raffle between Feb. 1 and Mar. 21, 2025, while supplies last.

 

All participants who complete this year's Winter Challenge will earn a completion prize. (While supplies last) This year's completion prizes, include mini over-the-door basketball hoops and Washington Wizards prize packs. Participants will also be entered to win one of two Grand Prizes! So, get started on your gameboard today and either check out a new read or attend a special Winter Challenge event! What will you discover this winter with DC Public Library?  

 

The holiday season is the perfect time to get creative, and The Labs at DC Public Library have some exciting events lined up that are sure to inspire you. Whether you’re looking to make something special for the holidays or simply want to explore a new creative outlet, there’s something for everyone.

 

This December, why not try your hand at laser-cutting your own holiday ornaments? It’s a great way to add a personal touch to your holiday décor or create thoughtful gifts for friends and family. If sewing is more your style, join the teddy bear-making workshop, where you'll stitch together a cuddly companion. This workshop is perfect for beginners and offers a cozy way to celebrate the season, creating a bear to keep for yourself or gift to someone special.

 

Beyond the holidays, The Labs are also offering creative workshops to help you stretch your artistic muscles. Whether it’s exploring the world of collaging or diving into zine-making, these workshops are a great way to express yourself, learn new skills, and meet fellow creative folks in the community.

 

All of these workshops are free, but space is limited, so be sure to sign up early. Head to DC Public Library’s events page to learn more and reserve your spot today. Come join us at The Labs, where creativity knows no bounds! 

 

The DC Public Library is excited to announce the appointment of Roswell Encina to our Board of Trustees. A fierce advocate for libraries with over 17 years of experience in the field, Roswell understands the vital role public libraries play in fostering community, supporting local economies, and driving civic progress. His extensive background in communications and media, including his current role as Chief Communications Officer at the Library of Congress, will bring invaluable insight to our Board.

 

Roswell’s leadership at the Library of Congress has earned him widespread recognition, including overseeing high-profile events like the National Book Festival and the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song. His proven track record in building impactful communications strategies, along with his deep commitment to libraries, will make him an incredible asset as we continue to strengthen DC Public Library’s services and outreach. Please join us in welcoming Roswell to our team! 

 

Mosaic Theater Company invites 9-12th graders in a public, private or charter school in the Washington, DC-metro area to submit plays for the third annual High School Playwriting Contest. This includes students in DC, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, and Northern Virginia. Submissions are due by January 24, 2025. Winners will be notified by February 7, 2025.

 

Mosaic will select a first, second, and third place winner. The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $300. The second place winner will receive $200 and the third place winner will receive $100.  All winners will have their plays directed and performed by professional theater artists. For the first time, they’ll have the opportunity to receive mentorship from working DC-area directors and workshop multiple drafts of their plays, forming a cohort of emerging artists and growing their writing abilities in the process.

 

Learn more about the contest and see the full contest rules and guidelines through the link below.