Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge

Broaden your reading horizons in 2026.

 

The Broader Bookshelf Reading Challenge encourages readers to expand their horizons and explore new authors, genres, and topics they might not otherwise discover. Launched in 2017, the program offers fresh reading prompts each year designed to inspire participants to broaden their reading list and engage with diverse voices. Author events throughout the year feature writers whose works fulfill the prompts, providing opportunities for readers to connect with authors and deepen their understanding of different perspectives.

Southeast Book Group

DISCOVER

Use these reading prompts to discover authors, genres, and books you might not otherwise pick up. Whether you prefer eBooks, audiobooks, or print, all formats count! If you're looking for inspiration, check out our staff-curated lists created specifically for Broader Bookshelf prompts.

Customer Shares #BroaderBookshelf selection

TRACK

Log your progress online through your library account or with a printable tracking sheet. One book can count for multiple prompts, so get creative!

Totebag featuring Broader Bookshelf Challenge logo.

WIN

Complete all 14 prompts by December 31, 2026, to earn a Broader Bookshelf tote bag, a pin, and a chance to win an eReader. Submit your record using one option below:

  • Logging it through your library account
  • Dropping it off at any Richland Library location
  • Emailing a photo to readfreely@richlandlibrary.com

2026 Reading Prompts

Track Online

Print a Tracking Record

  1. Read a book suggested by a library staff member.
  2. Read a book about poverty.
  3. Read a book by a Read Freely Fest author.
  4. Read a book about the American Revolution.
  5. Read a book of nature writing.
  6. Read a book set in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia.
  7. Read a Blind Date with a Book (Displays available in July and December).
  8. Read a love story (fiction or nonfiction).
  9. Read a book with “Lost” or “Found” in the title.
  10. Read a book whose protagonist is a vampire, werewolf, or witch.
  11. Read a book that celebrates body positivity.
  12. Read a book by an author whose pen name includes initials.
  13. Read a book by a person whose gender is different from yours.
  14. Read a novella.

Find staff recommendations for each of the Broader Bookshelf 2026 prompts, here or try our personalized recommendation service, here. 

2026 Author Events

As part of the 2025 Broader Bookshelf Challenge, we’re hosting special author events throughout the year. These conversations with acclaimed writers will inspire your reading journey and help you check off challenge prompts along the way. 

March 28 – Drew Lanham at Read Freely Fest

Challenge Prompts: Read a book of nature writing. Read a book by a Read Freely Fest author.

May 15– Meet the Author: Lindy West

Challenge Prompt: Read a book that celebrates body positivity.

September 25 – Meet the Author: Sarah Vowell

Challenge Prompt: Read a book about the American Revolution.

November 13 – Meet the Author: SA Cosby in conversation with  David Joy

Challenge Prompts: Read a book set in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, or West Virginia. Read a book by an author whose pen name includes initials. Read a book about poverty. 
 

Logo for the Richland Library Friends + Foundation, an orange graphic square and page corner, and the words "RICHARD LIBRARY FRIENDS+ FOUNDATION" in grey text.
Logo for Central Carolina Community Foundation. A stylized burst of green and blue lines surrounds the title text in gray.

 

 

 

 

Broader Bookshelf programs are funded through the Richland Library Friends and Foundation, the Central Carolina Community Foundation, and the Bagwell Revocable Living Trust in memory of Marianne and Ed Bagwell.

Past Challenges