Open Books Reading Challenge

What Is 'Open Books'?

The Open Books Reading Challenge is a year-long reading challenge for people interested in pushing the boundaries of their reading.

Here's how it works: We give you a list of 15 challenge categories. You'll have until the end of the year to read a book from at least 12 of those categories (that's just one book a month!). If you happen to read a book that falls into more than one category, you can count it more than once! 

If you finish, you'll get a coffee mug or other prize that you can use to brag about your accomplishment!

Need help finding a book for some of these categories? Check out the lists below, ask a library staff member, or join the Open Books Facebook group to discuss what you're reading with fellow challengers!

The Challenge

To participate:

1. Download the Open Books Checklist (PDF), or pick up a copy at the library. 
2. Read a book in at least 12 of the 15 categories. 
3. Return your checklist to the Library before December 31 to redeem your prize!

Here's what you'll be reading in 2025:

• A book set in the Victorian Era (1837-1901)
• A book with a question in the title
• In honor of Rochester’s Sister City partnerships with Akita Japan, read a book set in Japan or written by a Japanese author
• A book with a library setting
• A book with gems, minerals or rocks in the title
• A cross-genre book (ex. Romantasy, sci-fic/mystery, historical/thriller)
• A diary style book or memoir
• A mystery book by a BIPOC author
• A book with less than 200 pages
• A book with more than 600 pages
• A book set during or about a vacation
• A book from a library display
• A celebrity book club pick (Oprah, Reese's, Read w/ Jenna etc.)
• A book with a bilingual character
• A book from the Overdrive/Libby app

This year's Open Books Challenged is sponsored by the Friends of the Rochester Public Library.