Reading Challenge 2026: Body of Reading

Welcome to the challenge! We look forward to a year of reading and discovery as we strive to read at least one book each month, spanning 12 different categories within a yearly theme. This year we’ll explore a Body of Reading, finding parallels between our own anatomy and the stories we share. With each monthly category, we’ll consider the components that bring both ourselves and books to life, from the surface of our skin (perceptions and portrayals), down to the structure of our bones (story forms and fundamentals).

How Does It Work?

The challenge is open to readers age 14 and older. Visit Beanstack (or download the app) to register for the challenge. If Internet access is a barrier for you, don’t worry! You can still participate. Please call Information & Reference at 715-839-5004 or email librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us for details.

The Basics…

• Each month, read a book from one of the monthly categories. When you log your reading on Beanstack, you’ll be entered in that month’s drawing for a gift card or certificate from one of our local businesses.

• For book recommendations, ask at Information & Reference for your free Reading Journal, check the rotating display on the library’s second floor, or see our Monthly Categories & Book Suggestions below.

• For every 3 categories you read, you can select a small prize! An assortment of fun prizes can be claimed at the Reference desk.

• Read or listen to a book from all 12 categories by the end of the year to earn a coupon worth $6 (that’s three adult hardcovers!) at the Friends of the Library Bookstore and an entry into the grand prize drawing.

• Bonus! You’ll earn an extra entry into the Grand Prize Drawing when you also register for our Adult Summer Reading Program.

REGISTER TODAY!

Register on Beanstack

2026 Reading Journal

Ask at Information & Reference for your free Reading Journal. It provides a description of each monthly category, reading suggestions, and a place to document your thoughts about each book you read.

Call Information & Reference at 715-839-5004 or email librarian@eauclaire.lib.wi.us and arrange to get your copy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I choose my own books?

Absolutely. Select any book that fits the categories below. (You don’t have to pick from our suggestions.)

Can I read ahead?

Sure, but you’ll still need to log one book each month if you want to qualify for the monthly drawing.

Can I catch up?

Yes! If you join late or fall behind, you can log multiple books in a month for more chances at that month’s prize, and to catch up for yearly completion.

Do I have to read the assigned category for the month or can I jump around?

You can jump around! If you read June’s category in January you will still be entered in the monthly drawing, as long as you log your reading.

Do my challenge books count for other programs?

Yes! Books you read for this challenge can also count towards our seasonal adult reading programs.

Do I have to read a book from all 12 categories?

In order to qualify for the grand prize drawing, you will need to read a book from each of the categories.

I’m an offline reader. How do I log my monthly reading activity?

You can report your monthly reading and qualify for the monthly drawing by emailing the challenge coordinator at jant@eauclaire.lib.wi.us or calling at 715-839-5006 (extension 3).