Good News: ​‘Humor Me!’ Winter Reading Challenge Returns Jan. 15

     Mid-Continent Public Library’s (MCPL) Winter Reading Challenge returns January 15, and this year’s theme is “Humor Me,” offering participants a chance to tickle their funny bones as they read five books by March 15. The annual program encourages adults to reconnect with the practice of leisure reading, and participants who read five titles (comedy or any other genre) between January 15 and March 15 will earn a commemorative coffee mug as well as the chance to win a B&B Theatres Gold Card, good for one film a day for a year.
     “Reading for fun offers tremendous cognitive benefits, including reducing stress—something many of us need these days! And what better way to further relax than to explore titles that bring a smile to your face,” Amy Fisher, manager of MCPL’s Information and Reader Services Department, said.
     “No matter what your reading preferences are—fiction or nonfiction, humor or horror—our team can find you the perfect reads to curl up with.”
     Although participants, who must be 18 or older, don’t have to read within the theme, Library staff have compiled a long list of suggested reads with a wide variety of comedic influence for those who love to laugh—from dry and dark humor, to satire, to slapstick and comedy of errors. The full reading list, which can be found online or at MCPL branches, is divided into fiction and nonfiction.
     In keeping with the theme, the library has partnered with B&B Theatres to host the free “Humor Me Film Series.” Attendees can visit one of the following B&B Theatres locations at 6:30 p.m. on January 11, February 1, and February 15 to enjoy the free comedy screenings:

• Grain Valley Marketplace 8 theater (1131 NE McQuerry Road, Grain Valley)
• Lee’s Summit 16 theater (1451 NE Douglas St., Lee’s Summit)
• Liberty Cinema 12 theater (1903 Victory Dr., Liberty)
  ​
  

     The theatre locations will screen the movie Anchorman (PG-13) on January 11, Monty Python and the Holy Grail on February 1 (PG), and Sleepless in Seattle on February 15 (PG). Register for free at mymcpl.org/WRCFilms. (Films may be subject to change.)
     Participants can also enhance their Challenge experience by attending in-person books groups and events, as well as virtual programs through the Winter Reading Challenge Facebook page. For more information about the Winter Reading Challenge, including a full list of rules, more details about the prize, and the suggested reading list compiled by MCPL staff, visit mymcpl.org/WinterReading.