Swannanoa Library challenges readers with prizes

A versatile community center that promotes reading, the Swannanoa Library is encouraging readers of all ages to participate in its Snowflake Program. Participants can win gift certificates to purchase books at Barnes and Noble Books in Asheville.

Books read from now until April 1 turn into snowflakes on one of the walls in the library. Each month, readers have to read six books, each one of which represents the six sides of a snowflake. By filling out a form once a month with the names of the books read, readers can register for the April 1 grand drawing. The snowflake program is the brain child of librarian Carla Hollar.

“It is always popular because it can turn into free books for some of the lucky readers,” she said. “For each six books a reader finishes in a month, a snowflake is put on display on the library wall.”

The Snowflake Program has three categories of readers and potential winners. Young readers are up to the age of 13, young adults are from 13-18, and adults are from 19 years and up. The first-place winner in each category wins a $25 gift certificate. The second-place winner will get a $15 certificate, and the third-place winner receives a $10 gift certificate. The Friends of the Library supports the Snowflake Program by providing the money for the gift certificates.