Mass. Libraries Compete In 'Minute Madness' Reading Tournament

DANVERS (WBZNewsRadio) - March Madness hits the books in a reading competition between 21 libraries across the Commonwealth.

"Minute Madness" pits libraries against one another, in an all ages bracket-style reading competition. Anyone can sign up and support whichever library they'd like.

If "reading" isn't your thing, there are a number of other ways to earn minutes in the competition. Audiobooks, graphic novels, newspapers, magazines, and e-books all count towards minutes read. What's more, reading with others also counts, big time. You'll earn minutes for both you and those you're reading to.

Round 1: (March 1 - March 8) All 21 libraries will compete for the most minutes read. The 16 with the most minutes logged by 11 a.m. on March 8th, will move onto the "Sweet Sixteen" bracket.

Round 2: (March 8 - March 15) 16 libraries continue the competition.

Round 3: (March 15 - March 22) The final eight libraries with the most minutes will compete in a bracket-style tournament. 4 libraries will move onto the "Fierce Four."

Round 4: (March 22 - March 29) The final four libraries will compete for a spot in the Championship.

FINAL Round 5: (March 29 - April 5) The top two libraries compete for the ultimate victory.

There are no prizes this year for the winner, except for the title. Last year it came down to Wilmington versus Georgetown Public Library, who ultimately took home the gold.

The following libraries are in the competition:

Bedford

Burlington

Carlisle

Danvers

Dedham

Georgetown

Littleton

Lunenburg

Natick

Mashpee

Methuen

Milford

Newbury

Northborough

Rockport

Rutland

Sandwich

Shrewsbury

Tewksbury

Uxbridge

Wilmington

WBZ's Brooke McCarthy (@BrookeWBZ) reports

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