Love to read? Take the BPL Reading Challenge in 2026 and read one themed book of your choice each month. It’s fun, it’s easy, and it’s rewarding!

Discover the Read Less Travelled

Across 12 months, explore 12 featured themes—each one curated to enliven your curiosity, stretch your reading habits, and send you on a year-long literary adventure. Take a look at the 2026 themes!

Whether you’re already an avid reader or hoping to reignite your love for books, BPL Reading Challenge offers something for everyone. Last year, over 750 adults joined the challenge—and we’re excited to welcome even more in 2026.

Challenge Yourself

This isn’t just about reading more—it’s about reading differently. Choose your own book each month while using the themes as a friendly guide to genres, styles, and topics you might not pick otherwise. It’s a chance to discover new authors, new voices, and new perspectives.

How It Works

BPL Reading Challenge is easy to join and take part in.

It’s Free!

Sign up at no cost. You’ll receive a handy reading tracker and be automatically signed up for a monthly email filled with booklists and inspiration. Anyone with a library card from Burlington or our Halton Region, Hamilton, and OverDrive partner libraries can join the challenge. BPL membership is free if you live, work, or attend school in Burlington.

Library booklists and recommendations from fellow readers

Read a Book Each Month

Pick any title that fits the monthly theme. Library booklists and recommendations from fellow readers and library staff will help keep your options fresh and plentiful.

Track Your Progress & Win Prizes

Check in online each month to log your reading journey. Every completed month earns you an entry into prize draws—with a grand prize at the end of the challenge.

Come to an Author Talk

NEW in 2026! This edition of BPL Reading Challenge features three in-person author events tied to the monthly theme.

Join the Community

Meet other readers at our monthly meetups—share what you’ve read, swap suggestions, and make new friends.

Sign Up Today

Don’t miss your chance to enrich your reading life and be part of a welcoming community of book enthusiasts. Get ready now to plan for 2026 and make it a year of literary adventures.  Sign up today!