26 in '26 Reading Challenge
Take the 26 in ‘26 Reading Challenge!
Make 2026 a year of reading with our 26 in ‘26 Reading Challenge!
The 26 in ‘26 Challenge guides adult readers through a year-long reading adventure. The challenge features 52 unique reading categories designed to help you discover new books and new authors. Read 26 books in 2026 to earn an exclusive enamel pin, or keep going and complete all 52 categories to unlock a special stretch goal prize.
Stay inspired with librarian-curated book lists, progress tracking, and virtual badges as you read.
Ready to set your goal, turn the page, and earn prizes? Register at dekalblibrary.beanstack.org today!
Here’s How it Works:
- Sign Up: Register for the challenge at dekalblibrary.beanstack.org. The challenge runs from January 1 — December 31, 2026.
- Choose Books: Check out the list of 52 challenge categories. We’ve included suggested reading lists to get you started, or you can select your own book that fits the category.
- Track Progress: After you’ve read a book that fits a category, find the corresponding badge in Beanstack and mark it off by entering your book title. Each book may be matched to only one category, and each category may only be completed one time.
- Earn Prizes: Read books in 26 categories to earn an exclusive enamel pin, or keep going and complete all 52 categories to unlock a special stretch goal prize. Prizes will be distributed monthly to your DeKalb County Library location of choice for pickup.
Need Help Planning Your Challenge?
Planning Spreadsheet (Google Sheets)
26 in ’26 Challenge (The StoryGraph)
26 in ’26 Prompt Handout (PDF)
You’ve got this. Questions? Check out the FAQs below, or message us. Happy reading!
26 in ’26 FAQs
The 26 in ’26 Reading Challenge is a year-long, category-based reading adventure. It invites readers to explore 52 unique reading categories, read a book matched to each category, and discover new authors, genres, and stories along the way.
Signing up allows you to join a community of readers, earn prizes, and stay inspired with librarian-curated book lists. It’s the perfect way to challenge yourself and expand your reading horizons!
Visit dekalblibrary.beanstack.org and click on the “26 in ’26 Reading Challenge” banner to join. When you complete a challenge, click on the corresponding badge and enter the name of the book you read.
This challenge is for adults ages 18 and over. Non-cardholders may participate in the challenge; however if you win a prize, prizes must be picked up at a DeKalb County Public Library location. Unfortunately, we cannot mail prizes.
You may use whatever format works for you to keep track of progress; however, you must log your reads in Beanstack to win prizes.
Interested in keeping up with progress via StoryGraph? Add the challenge here.
No. Each book may be matched to only one category, and each category may only be completed one time.
Only books read from January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026 will count for the challenge. However, if you start a book in 2025 and finish it in 2026, feel free to count it!
Absolutely! All types of books work for this challenge, including eBooks, audiobooks, and books written for any age group.
Any books read in 2026 count, even if you read them before you signed up for the challenge. Feel free to match up your previous 2026 reads with prompts, and backlog those when you start the challenge.
We encourage you to be creative with your interpretation of the prompts. If you think a book fits the prompt, it fits!
Not at all! Feel free to complete in any order you choose.
Prizes will be sent monthly to the library branch of your choosing. When your prize arrives, you will receive an email with pickup instructions.