Readers in Halton are being challenged to take part in a fun game of “Book Bingo” at their local library.

Players can choose any book from five of 25 categories and, when they complete a line, can enter a free regional prize draw for a chance to win a £200 first prize or three £100 prizes.

Anyone can pick up a free form from their local library to take part, although only those aged 16 and over can enter the draw.

The categories are wide ranging, including “award winning”, “re-read a book you love”, “chosen with your eyes closed”, “made into a film”, “includes magic” and “a book you have always wanted to read”.

Copies of the Book Bingo sheet are available in the 340 libraries in an area stretching from Carlisle to Chester and the Wirral to Rochdale, covering all of Greater Manchester and Merseyside. Readers are encouraged to go on to social media to discuss using the hashtag #bookbingo.

The project is part of the work of Time To Read, a unique partnership of 22 library authorities in the North West working together to promote reading.

The Strategic Lead for Time To Read, Ian Anstice, said “Although there have been “Book Bingos” before, they’re really unusual in the UK but are such fun that we want to change all that. This covers such a wide area and it’s hoped that it will get people talking about the books they’ve read as part of it and share their discoveries with others.”

Other events include murder mysteries, local history talks and author visits can be found at http://www.time-to-read.co.uk/whatson. Terms and conditions can be found at http://www.time-to-read.co.uk/bingo
Remember: Halton Borough Council removed fines from all its libraries in January, in a bid to make the library service more accessible and relevant for the whole community.