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Between the frigid weather, the abundance of "Best Books of 2014" lists, and the newly launched National Readathon Day, I haven't had so many compelling reasons to stay in and read since I can’t remember when. Not that I need an excuse, but snow days with wind chills in the negatives, a few hundred new titles to add to my “to read” shelf, and an event that lets me do something good just by reading are an irresistible combination.

Sponsored by Penguin Random House, goodreads, and Mashable, National Readathon Day is a fundraising event for the National Book Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting literacy and spreading a love of literature through programs like Book Up, Innovations in Reading, and of course, the annual National Book Award. On January 24, participants will ask friends and family to support them as they read for 4 hours straight. 

If you are interested in participating, come to the 3rd floor desk between January 17th and 24th. We are giving away reader survival kits to the first 100 people who ask.

Each kit includes a book bag, information about National Readathon Day, including how you can register, plus a few bookmarks and a little snack to help sustain you through hours of page-turning.

Whether you want to cuddle up with a book in the comfort of your own home or find a cozy spot at the library (the Rotary Heritage Room on the 3rd floor is just one of many), pick up a reader survival kit to keep you going through your reading marathon.

If you want to join in but you don’t have a book picked out yet, you’re in luck! Countless “Best Books of 2014” lists have been released. Check out 3 favorites here:

• NPR pairs their list with the cool Concierge feature to help you hone in on what strikes your fancy.
• Amazon’s gives you at least 100 ideas.
• The Wall Street Journal has a compilation from other best-of lists, including suggestions from 50 of their favorite readers.

Still not sure what you want to read for 4 hours straight? Ask us at the 3rd floor desk - helping pair patrons with books is one of our favorite things! Or check out this small sampling of what other people will be reading on National Readathon Day: