Join us at Webb Shadle as we push ourselves to read books from a variety of categories throughout the year!

To encourage reading in our community and reward our super readers, we’re designing limited edition commemorative enamel pins for those who complete the challenge each year.

Watch here and our social media page as we announce a new category each month. You have from January 15, 2026 until January 14, 2027 to complete reading books for each category. Pick up a bookmark to track what you’ve completed. Completed lists must be returned to the library by January 14, 2027 to be eligible for the prizes, which will be available during February 2027. The challenge is open to ages 15 years and older. Books read must be age appropriate (i.e. picture books from the children’s section will not count for categories). All books must be checked out via Webb Shadle Library, either from the library itself, through our digital books on the Libby app, or through interlibrary loan.

You can pick up a paper log at the library or print one off here.

Be sure to join us as we discuss what we’re reading in the Facebook group, as well.

2026 Reading Challenge Themes:

  • January 2026: Read a book by a favorite author

    • We’re easing into the challenge this year; January can be hard! Read a book by your favorite author, either one you’ve read before or something new. There are some of our librarian’s favorite authors on display at Webb Shadle; maybe they’ll be one of your new favorites!

  • February 2026: Friendship

    • Read something that focuses or heavily features friendship. Examples: The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien is nothing without the deep friendships of the various hobbits or the new friendship forged by Legolas and Gimli; The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Annie Barrows features how the friendships that grew up in a desperate time helped the residents of their little island get by; How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie is a classic leadership classic that includes friendship references. There are so many books that fit this one!

  • March 2026: TBA

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  • April 2026: TBA

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  • May 2026: TBA

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  • June 2026: TBA

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  • July 2026: TBA

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  • August 2026: TBA

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  • September 2026: TBA

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  • October 2026: TBA

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  • November 2026: TBA

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  • December 2026: TBA

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The yearly Webb Shadle Public Library Reading Challenge is sponsored by Poor Timing Automotive.