The biggest feedback to last winter’s inaugural Winter Reading Program for Grown-Ups at the library was a desire for more and varied prizes. With a few weeks to go before the library opens the book on this winter’s program, it has a ways to go to assemble prizes — and is asking for help.

Last year, Irene Ingle Public Library staff, community members and the Friends of the Library donated a dozen prizes, including a LEGO set, Google Play gift cards and a fishing rod. There were 60 readers, which meant most readers did not receive one of the incentives for participating.

So far this year, with three weeks to go before the reading starts, just one prize has been donated. With the program kicking off Jan. 1, the library is looking for people to take notice and include prize gifts as part of their holiday shopping lists.

Library Director Sarah Scambler said they are primarily looking for new items in the $20 to $100 range that would motivate people to read.

“We would love to see items by local artists, some outdoor gear, maybe a wine basket or other types of gift baskets, or gift certificates to local stores. We do encourage people to shop locally!”

Scambler is hoping to have all the prizes, or at least confirmation of what people plan to donate, by Jan. 5.

Last winter’s program was a positive experiment, created by request of adult readers wanting to share in the fun that young readers’ experience during the annual summer reading program. Library staff developed a bingo card format, with a variety of genre categories, as a way of engaging readers and tracking their progress as they read books and marked off a square on the card.

This year’s bingo card has some holdover categories and also includes several new ones. The new bingo-style card will be released on Facebook on Christmas Day and will be available for pickup at the library Dec. 26 so participants can begin planning their reading lists.

Scambler reminds all readers that old and new technology for reading — hardcover and paperback books, e-books and audiobooks — all count toward checking off a game square. Each completed game square earns a ticket that readers can place in jars for the prizes.

Additional tickets are also given for a bingo line and total blackouts, when every square is checked off.

The approach is purposefully flexible. “People can read as much or as little as they choose,” Scambler said.

She also noted of the 60 participants last year, only five were men. She hopes the new categories and use of different technology formats might encourage more men to participate. Additional reading days were also added this year.

The program runs from Jan. 1 to March 20.

While library staff is working to make the program fun and accessible, prizes are an equally important incentive. Prizes will be distributed at the end-of-program party on March 21 at the Elks Lodge.

For those needing help coming up with prize possibilities, Scambler is more than happy to offer suggestions; call 907-874-3535. All prize donations can be dropped off at the library.