What is it?

We challenge you to read 26 books in 26 categories in the year 2026 to win our Santa Clara City Library Reading Challenge! This challenge is open to all adult and teen readers (ages 13+).

You may read a book that fits more than one category—that’s great! However, the spirit of this challenge is to read 26 different books, so please only count each book for one category. Categories can be completed in any order. Challenge finishers will win a custom "Read 26 in 2026" library mug! (Prizes available while supplies last.)

Don't have time to read 26 books? Complete any 12 categories to win a coupon for a free book from our Foundation and Friends.

Need help finding books? Check our booklists for suggested titles for the various categories or ask for personalized recommendations from our Bookmatch service.

How do I sign up?

Registration is not required to join this challenge. If you would like to receive email updates with new booklists and reminders throughout the year, please sign up with your email address below. (This is optional.)

You can join any time throughout the year, but please only count books you read between January 1 and December 31, 2026.

What do I do when I’m finished?

Fill out this form when you have completed at least 12 different categories to claim your Foundation & Friends coupon. Fill it out again when you have finished all 26 categories to claim your grand prize: a custom mug! You may also print and submit a paper log (PDF) at any of our locations.

The final deadline to submit your log is January 4, 2027.

The Challenge!

Below are our 26 categories for this year's challenge. Coming soon: Click on any category to get more information and see a suggested list of titles that fit the category. The categories marked with an * were created by previous reading challenge participants! 

(You do not have to choose titles from the booklists linked below; they are only to provide ideas.)

1. Read a book featuring books.*
2. Read a Silicon Valley Reads 2026 pick.
3. Read a book a friend recommended to you.*
4. Read a book featuring sports.*
5. Read a book with a number in the title.*
6. Read a book set during a trip or vacation.
7. Read a book that is a retelling of another story.*
8. Read a book that was published in the decade you were born.*
9. Read a book written by a Bay Area author.*
10. Read a graphic novel.*
11. Read a book featuring the great outdoors or nature.*
12. Read a book by an author you have never read before.
13. Read a book set more than 100 years ago.*
14. Read a memoir or biography.*
15. Read a book that has been on your TBR for over a year.* (TBR = "to be read" list. This means you can read any book you've been wanting to read for at least a year!)
16. Read a children's book.*
17. Read a book in translation.*
18. Read a book that has been adapted to film or television.*
19. Read a book that is a blend of more than one genre.
20. Read a book that has been challenged or banned.*
21. Read a collection of short stories, essays or poems.*
22. Read a book set in a country that is not the U.S. or the U.K. and is written by an author from that country.*
23. Read a book recommended by a celebrity.*
24. Read a genre fiction book (mystery, thriller, sci-fi, fantasy, horror or romance) by a BIPOC author.* (BIPOC = Black, Indigenous or Person of Color.)
25. Read a book under 200 pages.*
26. Read a book that you already have or own.

Still have questions?

Please email librarians@santaclaraca.gov with any questions. Thank you for participating, and happy reading!

Thank you to the Santa Clara City Library Foundation & Friends for supporting this challenge and providing the prizes.