Introducing the Boyceville Public Library 2026 Reading Challenge! Join the fun and stay inspired and motivated to read all year long. The categories have been designed to help you read widely and discover new books, authors, and genres that you never knew you couldn’t live without, but flexible enough to suit individual reading tastes and whims. After all, you are reading for you.
Beginning in January, there will be monthly prize drawings along with opportunities to connect with other readers throughout the year. The library will be hosting a low-key book social—think: coffee, light refreshments, casual conversation—in late winter (date TBA), and we will be launching a reading challenge Facebook group for bookish camaraderie online. For some extra book nerd fun, be sure to check out the Plot Twist Scavenger Hunt.
Young readers are encouraged to participate in the challenge, too! We have reading categories (and book suggestions) for all ages, so that families can read through the challenge together. A few of the categories have been slightly modified for younger readers to make it easier to find books that fit the theme.
How it works:
1. Sign up using the form to the right. You may sign up at any time during the year and read to catch up.
2. Browse the 15 reading categories and choose 12 that spark your interest.
3. Read or listen to one book for each of your selected categories in any order you like. Choose your own books, or pick a book from the curated book lists available for each category.
4. As you complete a book for each category, log it in your book journal and submit the title by the last day of each month to be entered into that month’s drawing. If you are catching up or reading ahead, you may submit up to 3 titles for completed categories in the monthly drawing; each title and category may only be submitted once in the monthly drawings.
- Book journals are available at the library.
- Monthly/category submission forms will be available here.
- Offline readers may call the library or stop by to submit your titles.
5. To be entered in the Grand Prize drawing, complete and submit all 12 categories by December 11, 2026. Winner will be announced at the “Spirit of Christmas” @ the library on December 12. Submission forms will be available mid-year.
Reading Challenge Sign-up
The Categories:
FIRST THINGS FIRST: read an author’s debut book—any author, from any year, decade, century, epoch, etc.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
LOCAL FLAVOR: read a book about or set in Wisconsin, or written by a Wisconsin author.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
THE BOOK WAS BETTER: read a book that became a movie or TV show.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
INSPIRING LIVES: read a biography, memoir, or novelization about someone who lived (or lives) with courage.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
READ FOR DEAR LIFE: read a mystery, thriller, or perilous adventure.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
OTHER WORLDS: read a fantasy, science fiction or speculative fiction book.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
ARMCHAIR EXPLORER: read a travel book or a novel set in another country.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
A BOOK ABOUT BOOKS: read a nonfiction book or novel about reading or with reading-adjacent themes or settings (libraries, book shops, etc.).
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
TECHNOPOLY: read a book about culture and technology, science and technology, or specific technologies and inventions that changed the way we live.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
NEW TWIST ON AN OLD TALE: read a re-imagined classic, fairy tale, fable, or folklore novel.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
BILDUNGSROMAN: the fancy name for a coming-of-age story. Younger readers: read a book about growing up or what you want to be when you grow up.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
THE BEST MEDICINE: read a light humorous novel or nonfiction book.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
SHORT BUT SWEET: read a short story collection or book under 250 pages. Younger readers: read a wordless (or nearly wordless) picture book.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: read a book that you’ve been meaning to read.
SAVE THE BEST FOR LAST: read a book that has won an award.
Reading suggestions: Picture Books | Middle Grade & YA | Adults
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact the library at 715-643-2106 or email us at [email protected].