New Year, New Reading Challenge

Happy New Year! Are you planning out your 2026 reading goals? Need some fresh ideas? The Goddard Public Library has the perfect challenge for you!

When the library announces a new reading challenge.

We know that many people enjoy reading, but choosing what to read next can be somewhat stressful. There are so many different genres with lots of amazing stories to choose from. 'TBR' lists just keep growing to a point that it is nearly impossible to pick what book comes next. Or maybe you aren't an avid reader yet, but want to start. But where? That is why we love to offer the 12 to Try Challenge for our patrons each year.

This challenge provides a rough road map for readers, giving you 12 categories and allowing you to find the perfect reads to fit them.

Our 12 to Try Challenge runs each year from January 1st to December 31st. To complete the challenge, you just have to read and log a book from each of the 12 categories below:

1. A book that is published in 2026.

2. A book written by an author with your initials.

3. A book from a banned book list.

4. A book recommended by a staff member.

5. A book published the year you were born.

6. A book written by an author you’ve never read before.

7. A book that has won an award.

8. A book with an upside-down image on the cover.

9. A short story.

10. A non-fiction book.

11. A 2025 Goodreads Winner.

12. A book written by a Kansas author.

All you have to do is create a Beanstack account, or log in if you already have an account, and then accept the 12 to Try Challenge under the 'Discover' tab! You can log your books in the Beanstack Tracker app or just use your computer or mobile device by searching goddardlibrary.beanstack.com.

Our staff love to participate in this challenge each year. Here is what we like most about it:

Debra - I enjoy participating in our 12 to Try challenge because it motivates me to branch out and read books I might not have picked up otherwise. The challenge helps me grow as a reader by encouraging me to explore other genres and perspectives.

Peggy - I love the challenge because of the different categories you get to read. It challenges you to read 12 books you usually wouldn't if you desire.

Becky - I like participating in the 12 to Try Challenge because it is just the nudge I needed to try books out of my usual routine and preference. Sometimes I had to do some searching, such as finding a book by a Kansas author, but I now have new favorites!

Nicole - What makes this challenge so special is that it provides the stepping stones, but I get to choose the path. Whether it's searching for that elusive 'book with "lost" in the title' or finally picking up a category I usually avoid, 12 to Try pushes me to be a more well-rounded reader without feeling like a chore.

So, whether you are wanting to dip into new reading genres, need some inspiration, or just want to see if you can complete the challenge, 12 to Try is perfect for everyone!

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