Oliver Books in Prineville sparks community connection with month-long reading challenge
(Update: adding video)
PRINEVILLE, Ore. (KTVZ) -- A bookstore in Crook County is turning the month of February into a community-wide celebration of reading.
Oliver Books in downtown Prineville is hosting a month-long reading challenge designed to bring people together, support local business, and share a love of literature.
The challenge is open to readers of all ages, and parents are encouraged to read along with their children. Participants can track their reading, share book reviews, and earn store credit — all while supporting a homegrown, independent bookstore.
Owner Hannah Oliver said Tuesday the heart of the challenge is about more than just numbers or prizes — it’s about connection.
“I'm hoping that it just achieves a love for reading, especially amongst our youth. I feel like it just stirs excitement in the community for something to do,” Oliver said.
“I believe that literacy is really important, reading is really important. By doing this, I believe that it helps people learn to love to read. It's something that's really important to me, and I hope that it encourages people to read more.”
Oliver said community members have already embraced the idea, with dozens of reading packets handed out and some readers already turning in their completed challenges.
The reading challenge runs through the end of February. Sign-up packets are available in person at Oliver Books, or you can find the PDF version to print at home below.
Rules (from Oliver Books):
Read 6 books in the month and get $10 in store credit for completing the challenge, and additional $5 if you bought at least three of the books from Oliver Books.
Kids have to read 10 books for $10 store credit, and buy 3 books from us for an additional $5.
You get an extra $5 in store credit if you make up a book review for your favorite book that will be shared on social media and the book will be added to inventory if it's not already in the store.
You will also be entered to win an additional $50 in store credit if you write up a review.
