A Reading Challenge for the School Year
The library challenges students from kindergarten to high school to read titles from the Monarch, Bluestem, Caudill, Lincoln, and Read for a Lifetime award lists. If you complete the challenge for your age group, you will receive a prize (starting October). You can also vote at the library for your favorite book from the lists from February 1–March 13. Voting for the Caudill Award runs from February 1–26 only.
The Monarch Award Reading Challenge
Children in grades K–2 are challenged to read all 20 titles from the 2026 list of Monarch Nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one at home. Read or listen to each book on the list and have an adult initial the box next to the cover. When you have finished reading all 20 books, stop by the Youth & Teen Services Desk with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting October 1).
Monarch Award BookmarkMonarch Award
The Bluestem Award Reading Challenge
Students in grades 3–5 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 20 titles from the 2026 list of Bluestem nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one at home. Read or listen to each book on the list and have an adult initial the box next to the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 20 books, stop by the Youth & Teen Services Desk with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting October 1).
Bluestem Award BookmarkBluestem Award
The Caudill Award Reading Challenge
Middle school students in grades 6–8 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 20 titles from the 2026 list of Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one at home. Read or listen to each book on the list and initial the box next to the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 20 books, stop by the Youth & Teen Services Desk with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting October 1).
Caudill Award BookmarkCaudill Award
The Lincoln Award Reading Challenge
High school students in grades 9–12 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 20 titles from the 2026 list of Lincoln Award nominees. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one at home. Read or listen to each book on the list and check off the box under the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 20 books, stop by the Youth & Teen Services Desk with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting October 1).
Lincoln Award BookmarkLincoln Award
Read for a Lifetime
High school students in grades 9–12 are challenged to read at least 10 of the 25 titles from the Read for a Lifetime Read for a Lifetime 2025-2026 list. Keep track of your reading by picking up a bookmark tracker from the library or printing one at home. Read or listen to each book on the list and check off the box under the cover. When you have finished reading at least 10 of the 25 books, stop by the Youth & Teen Services Desk with your completed bookmark and receive a prize (starting October 1).
Read for a Lifetime Bookmark