By LAURA DANIEL
Tiger Media Network
Readers across the community are invited to join a literary competition as the Hays Public Library launches its annual Book Mania reading challenge, which began on Monday and runs through March 23. The program encourages participants to explore new titles while competing in a bracket-style challenge designed for every reading level.
“Book Mania is a reading competition for all ages,” said HPL Communications Coordinator Callie Kolacny. “Participants read the books in their reading level bracket and vote for their favorites. Each completed bracket qualifies for an entry in the prize drawing.”
Anyone with a Hays Public Library card can participate, and reading levels are organized to fit a wide range of ages and abilities. Categories include 0–Pre-K, Kindergarten–2nd grade picture books, K–2nd grade chapter books, grades 3–5, grades 6–8, grades 9–12 and adults. Kolacny emphasized flexibility for young readers.
“Youth are encouraged to participate in their reading level even if it doesn’t match their grade level,” Kolacny said.
Participants may complete up to four brackets within their level, earning a raffle ticket for each one finished. Brackets are available at the library or online.
“Participants read the books and mark their favorite on the bracket,” Kolacny said. “Each completed bracket earns a raffle ticket for the prize drawing.”
All completed brackets must be turned in by March 23 to qualify.
The challenge will move into a final voting phase from March 24-26. Library staff will determine the top two books in each division based on completed brackets.
“Participants can come to the library to vote for the Champion book for their division,” Kolacny explained.
In addition to reading and voting, participants will have chances to win prizes.
“Participants earn raffle tickets for completing brackets and for voting on the overall champion book in their division,” Kolacny said.
Winners will be drawn for each division and announced on March 27. Youth winners will receive gift baskets filled with various items, while the adult winner will receive an Amazon gift card.
The monthlong celebration will conclude with a children’s party from 4 to 5 p.m. on March 27, featuring games and treats.
“The prize drawing winners will be announced, but you don’t have to be present to win,” Kolacny added.
Library staff says the overall goal of Book Mania is to encourage reading throughout the community, particularly among young people.
“Book Mania is a way to encourage all ages, but especially kids, to read different books,” Kolacny said. “We really want youth to focus on books in their reading level so it is a fun experience.”
By blending competition with reading, the library hopes to spark excitement about books and bring readers together to celebrate their favorite titles.