How Reading Challenges Can Meet Reader Needs
Reading challenges can help libraries solve common reading barriers like decision fatigue, reading slumps, or uncertainty about reading options. They also create opportunities for meaningful engagement with patrons through recommendations, displays, and programming. When challenges are designed to meet reader needs and interests, they strengthen a library's reading culture.
I recently spoke with Catherine Savage, Head of Integrated Communications, and Laura Cohen, Readers & Information Services Librarian, from the Vernon Area Public Library District about how their library created a challenge that meets reader needs and keeps them engaged all year.
The Branch Out Reading Challenge
The Branch Out Reading Challenge was developed in response to feedback from adult patrons who wanted something more tailored to their needs. They asked for something that would provide enough structure to encourage exploration, but enough flexibility to participate at their own pace. Launched in 2024, Branch Out invites adult readers to complete 12 themed prompts throughout the year.
At the center of the challenge is a booklet featuring each theme and nine staff-curated reading recommendations. Laura oversees the title selection process, ensuring readers have enough options across genres (including fiction and nonfiction) and formats without feeling overwhelmed. Catherine shared that they included a handwritten-style font for staff annotations to "add a personal, approachable touch and emphasize the human-centered nature of the recommendations." Patrons have mentioned how much they enjoy seeing recommendation notes from library staff.
Key Elements of Branch Out's Success
Now in their third year of the Branch Out Reading Challenge, Catherine and Laura shared how well their patrons have responded to the challenge. What made this challenge a success?
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Flexible, year-long participation: The prompts are not tied to a specific month and can be completed at any time throughout the year.
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Themed prompts paired with curated recommendations: Thoughtful, handpicked selections highlight both the collection, and the expertise library staff bring to helping readers discover books they'll enjoy.
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Consistent visibility: The challenge is connected throughout the library in displays, programs, and conversations, and online through lists on their website, eBook platforms, and a dedicated newsletter.
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Opportunities for readers to contribute book reviews and feedback via a Google form they submit when they complete a theme. With permission, reviews are featured throughout the library and in newsletters, which creates a sense of participation and community.
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A meaningful prize: Readers who complete all 12 themes earn an annual Branch Out pin with a unique design for the year. The small but meaningful reward reinforces participation and the joy of reading rather than focusing on prizes. They have become something people recognize and wear with pride.
Meeting Community Needs
Catherine and Laura's main goal for Branch Out was meeting the needs of readers who expressed wanting something to motivate them to read. They've made sure to gather data that shows they are meeting that goal. The library tracks participation through theme-completion forms, circulation of featured titles, and patron feedback. Together, these measures help staff understand how well the challenge is meeting reader needs.
Participants have shared in their feedback that the challenge helps them find time to read, discover new authors, and explore books they might not have found or picked up on their own. Readers have shared:
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"I loved reading when I was younger and I could get lost in a book for hours. I hadn't read too much recently, until the Branch Out Challenge. The Challenge is motivating and I've found so many great titles and authors."
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"I have discovered many wonderful books thanks to this reading challenge! The recommendations on your lists as well as the reader recommendations have led me to books that I have greatly enjoyed."
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"I love this reading challenge idea! It’s great to help with reading books outside my usual picks and it’s more fun than just reading different genres."
Branch Out succeeds because the central focus is the question: What do our readers need? By listening to patron feedback, making participation fun and flexible, highlighting staff recommendations, and creating opportunities for readers to share their experiences, Vernon Area Public Library District built a challenge that motivates readers and strengthens connections to the library throughout the year.
Yaika Sabat is a Senior Readers' Advisory Librarian at NoveList. She is currently reading Kiss Slay Replay by Rachel Harrison.