Everett Public Libraries announce the 25 in ’25 Reading Challenge

Participants can read 25 books during the course of the year to win a prize

Special to The Advocate

  Mayor Carlo DeMaria is pleased to announce that the Everett Public Libraries (EPL) will be hosting the 25 in ’25 Reading Challenge. Patrons of all ages are encouraged to participate in the program, which will task them with the challenge of reading 25 books over the course of the year. Participants can choose any book, whether it is an old favorite or a new genre, as well as read any way they prefer, including listening to audio books.

“Last year was the first time the Libraries have hosted a year-long challenge like this in quite some time,” said EPL Head of Circulation Victoria Strand. “We were so happy to be able to connect with the community throughout 2024, and encourage all of our patrons to rise to the challenge, so we decided to do it again.”

As with other challenges the EPL has hosted in recent years, logging will take place on Beanstack. This convenient online tracker is available for download as an app or accessible via the web at www.everett.beanstack.com. Participants can also choose to log their reading by using one of the Reading Log booklets available at either the Parlin Memorial Library or Shute Memorial Library circulation desks. The booklet tells participants all they need to know about the challenge and provides space to log and rate a participant’s 25 reads for the year.

By finishing all 25 books, participants will receive a prize generously provided by the Friends of the Everett Public Libraries, in addition to an entry into the grand prize raffle to be pulled at the end of the year. “To up the ante this year, we decided to create 12 additional bonus challenges to encourage readers to try something new,” said Strand. “From trying a graphic novel for the first time, or reading a genre outside of your comfort zone, the Everett Public Libraries challenge patrons to diversify their reading. When readers complete any of the bonus challenges, in addition to reading all 25 books in the year 2025, they will get their name entered an additional time for the Grand Prize Raffle.”

Curated collections from library staff for each of the different challenges will be listed on the online library catalog at bit.ly/EVEopac. Participants are encouraged to check back each month throughout the year for more recommendations. For further information regarding the reading challenge, or for any questions about Beanstack, please contact the Parlin Memorial Library at 617-394-2300 or the Shute Memorial Library at 617-394-2308.