By Harrison James IV / Staff Writer 

The Missouri Valley College library is inviting students to take part in its Fall Reading Bingo Challenge, a semester-long activity that encourages reading and offers prizes for participants who complete the challenge by Nov. 21.

It’s a fun way to explore new reads, learn about library resources, and enjoy the autumn season! So go grab a book and complete the challenge to win prizes. If you need any help or more information about the challenge, you can reach out to Samantha Perkins, assistant dean of library services. 

Perkins said that although they aren’t monitoring the cards being picked up, she hopes to see more students join before the deadline.

“We normally have around 15 to 30 people participating in the challenge, which is really good, but we would want more,” Perkins said.

She also explained what kinds of prizes participants can expect when they finish the challenge. 

“We do prize packs and other prizes like stickers and other things. We are trying to pick inexpensive prizes,” Perkins said. “We want prizes that someone would appreciate. This would help reduce the expensive prizes, and many more people can win prizes that aren’t just expensive.”

According to Perkins, the idea for the challenge came from her desire to create something engaging for students during the quieter fall months. 

“Just little things to do that would help support mental health, and that’s why I did this challenge, which was supposed to help with mental health and just relax your mind while you read a book and do little challenges,” Perkins said.  

She added that beyond encouraging reading, the challenge is meant to benefit Missouri Valley students by promoting mental wellness and campus connection. 

Perkins said the goal is to make students more aware of resources that support both academics and mental health, while also showing that the college cares about their overall well-being.

“I wanted them to have resources and know that we care about them,” Perkins said. “Most importantly, yes, we want them to read academically, but also get out of the environment, not just staying in your dorm, but coming to the library to read or even going out to the park with a book.”

Participants who enjoy the fall competition can look forward to the spring challenge. 

“We will definitely do one in the spring, that’s for sure, so stay tuned,” Perkins said.