Welcome to the 2026 Adult Year-Long Reading Challenge! This year’s reading challenge is meant to help broaden your reading horizons and inspire you to explore genres outside your norm.
Branch out, try something new, and grow with us. There will be 12 themes and a selection of books that fit each theme so that you can read at your own pace and in any order! Audiobook, ebook, physical book, graphic novels, fiction or nonfiction! There is no wrong way to grow with us!
Instructions: Read a book that fits each of the 12 themes (listed below), at your own pace and in your own order. We have handpicked some fiction and nonfiction suggestions for each theme to get you started, but you can pick any book that fits the theme, published in any year unless otherwise specified. Record each of your completed books through our online form by clicking on the “Submit Your Reading” button below or fill out the paper form available on the display on the lower-level of the library. Complete all 12 themes to earn a collectible prize and one entry into the grand prize drawing at year’s end! For every additional book you read that fits one of the 12 themes, you’ll earn another entry for the grand prize. Additional prizes will be awarded periodically.
Have any questions? Check out the FAQs below or reach out to us by stopping by the lower-level reference desk in the library, emailing reference@deerfieldlibrary.org or calling (847) 945-3311.
Grow With Us Themes & Reading Suggestions
Looking for reading suggestions or don’t know where to start? Click on a theme name for book recommendations within that theme. Reading lists are also available at the book display in the lower-level of the library. And remember, you can read anything that meets the theme, even if it’s not one of our suggestions.
12 Themes:
- Grow With Us – Explore a genre outside your comfort zone.
- Going Green – Read a title with an environmental or human ecology theme.
- Love of the Game – Read about your favorite sport, reality show, dog race, or escape to your favorite fantasyland for a wizard duel.
- Get Crafty – Refine your craft and pick a title about your craft of hobby.
- The Future – Explore speculative fiction, alternative history, or sci-fi set in space where humanity reaches for the stars.
- Trains, Planes, and Automobiles – Read a title that takes place on or is about a mode of transportation.
- Celebrate! – Pick a title that surrounds a big event or celebration. This could be a sports event, wedding, graduation, or holiday.
- One Word Wonder – Choose a book with a single word as its title.
- The Wanderer – Read about a journey or a story based in a different country.
- Indigenous Reads – Connect with Lake County’s Indigenous history and enjoy a book by a North American Indigenous author.
- Here & Now – Read a title published in 2025 or 2026.
- Heritage Finds – Look inward and choose a book that reflects your heritage, family history, or identity.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I count books I’ve already read?
Please only count books that you’ve read starting in 2026. - Do I have to complete the themes any specific order?
Feel free to complete the themes in any order. - Can I do more than one theme in a month?
You are welcome to read at any pace you like. - Can one book count for multiple themes?
In the spirit of the reading challenge, each book counts only once. - Can I read more than one book per theme?
We will track one book per theme; additional books increase your chances to win the grand prize. - Am I allowed to read something else?
Absolutely. Choose any book that fits the theme. - Do audiobooks count?
Yes. - Do both fiction and nonfiction titles count?
Yes. Each theme is designed with both in mind. - Does the book have to be checked out from the library?
No. Your books can come from any source. - Do I need to be a Deerfield Public Library cardholder to participate?
No. All are welcome. - Can my kids/teens participate?
This reading challenge is for adults only.
