Rise to the Challenge: 2025 Reading Program

ANNUAL READING PROGRAM FOR ADULTS

January 2-December 31

Rise to the challenge and read 20 books during 2025. Read whatever books you like, or follow our suggested categories.
Log reading and submit your raffle tickets online using Beanstack* or in-person at the Adult Services Desk.

*What is Beanstack?
Beanstack is a digital platform where participants log their reading and find activity challenges designed by library staff. There are activities for all ages. Registration is quick and simple. Members create an account, and log-in to see all available reading challenges.

Get a prize for registering.

•Read 5 books and earn one raffle ticket towards a grand prize.
•Finish 10 books for two additional tickets and a halfway prize.
•Finish 15 books for three more raffle tickets.
•Finish all 20 books to receive four more tickets and a completion prize.

Earn up to six additional grand prize entries for completing the bonus activities.

•Participate in the Launch Pad Maker Challenge. Learn to use tools in the Launch Pad with self-guided instructions to earn points.
•Share your favorite part of a book you read with someone in your life.
•Attend a library program.
•Share your experience about Rise to the Challenge with a friend.
•Play a word game.
•Set a reading goal on Goodreads.com or TheStoryGraph.com

Submit all titles by end of day December 31, 2025. Allocate all tickets by January 8, 2025.

HOW TO REGISTER

•Adult Services Desk – paper logs are available.
•Call 847.459.4100, extension 3
•Register online through Beanstack

With Beanstack you can track your progress online or in Beanstack’s mobile app.
Are you new to tracking your progress online with Beanstack? Check out this video or read more about Beanstack.

MORE WAYS TO READ AND LISTEN

INSPIRATION FOR YOUR NEXT READ

Try one of these suggestions. Recommendations lists are available from our library staff.

•Brighten Your Day: Read a book that promotes positive thinking.
•High-Energy Reads: Dive into a book that keeps you on the edge of your seat.
•Emotional Journeys: Choose a book that might require a box of tissues.
•Cozy Mysteries: Enjoy a comforting mystery.

•Grown-Up Fairy Tales: Read a fractured fairy tale for adults.
•New Experiences: Discover a book about something new to try.
•Friendship Stories: Read a book about friendship.
•Science Adventures: Explore a book that features science.

•Green Reads: Choose a book about climate change, green topics, or with a green cover.
•Diverse Voices: Read a book by an author from a different background.
•Romantasy: Enjoy a blend of romance and fantasy.
•Bucket List Books: Read one of the 100 books to read before you die.

•Midwest Settings: Find a book set in the Midwest.
•Community Picks: Read a book similar to our One Book, One Community pick, The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff.
•Debut Novels: Discover a debut novel.
•Unreliable Narrators: Read a book with an unreliable narrator. What is an unreliable narrator? Ask a librarian at the Adult Services Desk.
•Award Winners: Choose a Goodreads Choice Winner. The awards are decided by readers who vote for their favorite book in various categories on Goodreads.com.