Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge

Ready to broaden your reading horizons? Here's how it works. 

Southeast Book Group

DISCOVER

Use fresh reading prompts each year to discover authors, genres and books you might not otherwise pick up. Current year's prompts are listed below. 

Customer Shares #BroaderBookshelf selection

SHARE

Take a photo of the book cover and share it on social media using #BroaderBookshelf.

Don't forget to jot each title down next to the prompt on your tracking sheet. Yes! You can check off more than one category with the same book! E-books and Audiobooks count. 

Richland Library Edgewood

WIN

Complete all 14 reading prompts and turn in your paper tracking record at your preferred location or e-mail a picture of your completed tracking record to readfreely@richlandlibrary.com. You'll receive a Richland Library #Broader Bookshelf tote bag and a small prize. Your name will be entered into a Grand Prize drawing for an e-Reader. Submissions are due by December 31, 2023.

2023 Reading Prompts

Print a Tracking Record

  1. Read a book suggested by a Richland Library staff member
  2. Read an author’s debut title.
  3. Read a coming-of-age tale or a novel narrated by a child.
  4. Read a historical fiction novel set before 1900.
  5. Read a collection of poetry published since 2003.
  6. Read a mystery or thriller novel.
  7. Read a fiction or nonfiction book set in Idaho, Illinois, Indiana or Iowa.
  8. Read a Blind Date with a Book Selection (July & December).
  9. Read a novel based on real life events.
  10. Read a book written by an author of Chinese, Japanese, Korean or Vietnamese descent.
  11. Read a book where the protagonist or subject is age 50 or older.
  12. Read a fiction or nonfiction book about technology.
  13. Read a book written by a Booker Prize or National Book Award nominated author.
  14. Read a fiction or nonfiction book about families.
     

Find staff recommendations for each of the #BroaderBookshelf2023 prompts, here or try our personalized recommendation service, here. 

Past Challenges
Tales from La Vida

2021

Check out the 2021 prompts as well as staff recommendations, here. 

A Record of a Night Too Brief

2020

Check out the 2020 prompts as well as an array of staff recommendations, here. 

The Feather Thief Richland Library Broader Bookshelf

2019

Check out the 2019 prompts as well as an array of staff recommendations, here. 

Broader Bookshelf Challenge at Richland Library

2018

Check out the 2018 prompts as well as staff recommendations, here. 

Broader Bookshelf Challenge at Richland Library

2017

Check out the 2017 prompts as well as staff recommendations, here.