Warming Up: A Cozy Little Reading Challenge

It’s winter, it’s cold, and we’re cooped up indoors. Why not put a dent in those 2026 reading goals while you’re already snuggled up on the couch? Introducing Warming Up: A Cozy Little Reading Challenge to kick start your year and commitment to reading.

Starting tomorrow, January 5, HCPL challenges you to take a little time out of every day for reading—as few as five minutes, or as many as you can manage. Log at least 20 days of reading between now and February 16 to earn a small prize. You can track your progress entirely online through Beanstack, pick up a paper log from your library, or download and print a copy of the card at home.

This challenge is all about celebrating the things you want to read, so our only rule is that all reading should be fun! Now, go and grab a mug of a favorite warm beverage, slip into fuzzy socks, and crack open that book you've been looking forward to starting.

And if you need reading suggestions, head to the Recommendations page on our website to submit a My Next Read request, subscribe to genre-specific newsletters, and peruse NoveList. Plus, check our Staff Picks lists for kids, teens, and adults to see what we enjoyed reading the most in 2025!