Take a Reading Challenge | Richland Library

Challenge yourself to read more this year, or to expand your reading horizons.

If you're anything like me, each new year brings a new bout of resolutions- to run more, to complain less, to be more organized, to eat healthier- but also if you're anything like me, those resolutions last for all of maybe two weeks. Why not try something new with a reading challenge? We could all use a book that helps us escape from reality, or one that shows us the world from a different perspective, one that makes us laugh, or one that pulls out every emotion and leads to a good cry.

Begin by squeezing in 15 min. in the morning before work, or an audio book in the car, an eaudiobook while walking the dog, or a chapter before dozing off at night. We can all fit in a few more pages each day, but sometimes we need a push.

Here are a few challenges to get you started:

Richland Library's #BroaderBookshelf initiative aims to get you out of your reading comfort zone and expose you to genres, authors, and characters you otherwise might shy away from. Stay tuned for the 2021 prompts!

Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge will help pull you out of that rut where every book you pick up has nearly identical plot lines and is full of characters that you could describe to a tee without even reading it.

“Reading one book is like eating one potato chip.”
― Diane Duane, So You Want to Be a Wizard

Goodreads is a great community of readers and serves as a user-based platform for tracking your own reading, reviews, and provides lists of read-a-likes. While there are tons of challenges to choose from, their 2022 Around the Year in 52 Books Challenge is the perfect way to start off the new year.

Novelist is an excellent resource that gives read a-likes to all of your favorite books. Join their 2022 Reading Challenge.

Maybe you've been thinking about starting a book club with your friends, but aren't sure how to get your hands on that many copies all at once. Maybe you're new to the greater Columbia area and want to get to know your neighbors. Check out one of over 130 Book Club sets, each with 15 copies of the book and a list of discussion questions bundled in a very nice zippered tote. You can also join one of our librarian-led book groups found on the events page.

Banned Books Week is this magical week every September where we read every book they tell you not to! It's the perfect challenge to add to your list this year. You can find out more information at the American Library Association's website.

“Sleep is good, he said, and books are better.”
― George R. R. Martin

Each summer, Richland Library has the #SummerLearningChallenge that incorporates all kinds of learning, not just information gained through books.

Contrary to popular belief, this challenge is not just for kids. You can track your progress online and earn prizes for reading, coming to library programs, or even just learning a new skill or fact!