The event runs Sunday, Jan. 25, through Saturday, Feb. 28, at the library, located at 498 Jefferson St., Mifflintown. That gives participants more than four weeks to dive into books, track their reading and gather sponsorships to support the library’s programs and services. Registration opens today, and library staff say they’re ready to welcome anyone who wants to take part.

The Read-A-Thon is open to all ages, and organizers emphasize that it’s designed to be simple and fun. Participants read as much as they can during the event window, ask friends or family to sponsor their efforts and turn in sponsorship funds by Thursday, March 5.

The money raised goes directly to the Friends of the Library, who use it to support everything from children’s programming to new materials to special events throughout the year.

While the Read-A-Thon is a fundraiser, the heart of the event is about something far more joyful: encouraging a love of reading across the community.

Submitted photo
The sign outside the Juniata County Library welcomes patrons.

Last year’s inaugural Read-A-Thon drew a wide range of participants — kids eager to show off their reading logs, adults rediscovering favorite authors, and even a few friendly competitions between coworkers and neighbors. Organizers say the response was enthusiastic and the results encouraging, especially for a first-year effort.

This year, they’re hoping to build on that momentum.

The Read-A-Thon is intentionally flexible. Participants can read anything they like — novels, non-fiction, graphic novels, audiobooks, magazines, bedtime stories with kids or even the cookbook they’ve been meaning to explore. The goal isn’t to read the “right” books; it’s simply to read.

And for many, the event becomes a welcome excuse to slow down, unplug and spend time with a good story. That includes families planning to read together, retirees looking forward to winter afternoons with a stack of mysteries and students eager to turn their reading time into support for the library they love.

The Friends of the Library hope the Read-A-Thon will continue to grow into a signature winter tradition — something that brightens the coldest months with imagination, curiosity and community connection.

Registration is quick and easy, and participants can stop by the library today to pick up materials, ask questions or get suggestions for great winter reads.

Whether you’re hoping to read a little or a lot, whether you’re age 5 or 95, whether you’re a lifelong bookworm or someone who hasn’t cracked a spine in a while, the Juniata County Library’s Read-A-Thon offers a warm invitation: Find a book. Find a cozy spot. And let the reading begin.

The library opens at 9 a.m. Monday through Saturday. It closes at 7 p.m. on Monday and Thursday; 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday; and 3 p.m. Saturday. It is closed on Sunday.