Year-Long Reading Challenge

New Berlin Library's 2026 Reading Challenge

How It Works

Join us in 2026 for the second year of our Year-Long Reading Challenge, featuring all-new categories and a new grand prize!

Choose books that fit 12 of the 15 categories, selected by our librarians to challenge you and help you tackle your ever-growing TBR list. Find your own book to fit the category, or look for a title from librarian-curated lists below!

When you finish a category, list the title of the book and check it off. When you’ve read 12 categories, submit a form (available mid-year) for an invite to our year-end celebration and enter for a chance to win a family membership pass to the Milwaukee County Zoo! 

Throughout the year we will also host special themed events, book discussions, and giveaways throughout the year to pair with our challenge categories. 

 

Sign Up for the 2026 Challenge  Download Tracking Sheet

April Featured Category

Challenge FAQs

Simply fill out this form to let us know you’re planning to participate! From there, the challenge is generally self-led. Keep track of your reading with our printable tracking sheet (or pick one up from the Reference Desk).

While we will be sharing book recommendations from a featured category each month, you may choose to read from any category during whichever month you wish.

No, not at all! You are welcome to choose your own titles that fit each category.

Yes, one book may count for up to 2 different categories! For example, Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley can count for both Young Adult Novel and Book by a Native American Author.

Yes, you can finish any time during 2026! The 2026 Completion Form will be available later in the year. 

All challenge finishers will get an exclusive invite to an end-of-year celebration, where you will get to gather with other finishers to share our favorite reads from the year, and more. You will also be entered into a drawing to win a family membership pass to the Milwaukee County Zoo.

Upcoming Events

Dining Aboard the Titanic: A Culinary Journey

10:00am–11:15am
Tweens, Teens, Adults
Full
Registration Required
Library Branch: New Berlin Public Library
Room: Heritage Room
Age Group: Tweens, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Author Visit, Reading Challenges
Registration Required
Event Details:

Author, Veronica Hinke, shares the elaborate feasts and other delicacies on board the luxury passenger ship.

Disclaimer(s)

Do you have any relevant allergies? We cannot guarantee that food served will not have come in contact with allergens, but we will do what we can.

This program is brought to you by the generous support of the Friends of the New Berlin Public Library.

Songs & Stories Inspired by John Prine, performed by The Souvenirs

6:00pm–7:00pm
Children, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Open
Registration Required
Library Branch: New Berlin Public Library
Room: Community Room
Age Group: Children, Tweens, Teens, Adults
Program Type: Music, Games & Fun, Reading Challenges
Registration Required
Event Details:

Known for his heartfelt storytelling through songwriting, John Prine shared songs that were universally relatable. The Souvenirs bring those songs to life while sharing stories about Prine’s music and lasting influence on Americana.