2026 Reading Challenge! January

A stylized tan square with a graphic of a cat sleeping on a pile of books with the text "Reading Challenge 2026, January: A book set outside the United States OR A book themed around mental health" written on it.

Welcome to the second year of the Chester County Library’s yearlong reading challenge! The 2026 Reading Challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format. Please register for the challenge this year using this online form or by speaking to the Reference Desk. Then, pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/AdultReadingProgram.

For those of you who joined us for last year’s challenge, you all know the drill! For those who are just joining us this year, I will post the prompt along with some suggested reads and resources here on the blog every month. Different from last year, the prompts this year are “this or that” in style, so you will have more options to choose from! You do not need to read a book from both “this” and “that.” Just one or the other – unless you really want to go the extra mile and read more, in which case don’t let me stop you! But there is no extra prize for doing both. Just brownie points in the eyes of the librarians.

So, without further ado, January’s reading challenge prompt is “A book set outside the United States” OR “A book themed around mental health.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full lists on our catalog here: Books Set Outside the U.S. or Books Themed Around Mental Health. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions.

Happy reading!

2025 Reading Challenge! December

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "December: A fairytale, folklore, or classic novel reimagining" written on it along with the silhouette of a dragon.

Welcome to the final month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

December’s reading challenge prompt is “A fairytale, folklore, or classic novel reimagining.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/2025ReadingChallenge.

Happy holidays and happy reading! And be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s challenge!

2025 Reading Challenge! November

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "November: A book written by an Indigenous author" written on it along with the silhouette of a thunderbird.

Welcome to the eleventh month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for November is “A book written by an Indigenous author.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/2025ReadingChallenge.

Happy reading!

Domestic Violence & DVCCC Services: What Everyone Should Know 

Please join us on TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28 at 6 pm for a special Hybrid Program on Domestic Violence & DVCCC Services: What Everyone Should Know.

Domestic violence is more common than most people realize, and often misunderstood. This free, educational program offers a clear, compassionate look at what domestic abuse really is, how to recognize it, and what support is available.

Presented by DVCCC (Domestic Violence Center of Chester County), this session is designed for anyone who wants to be informed, empowered, and ready to make a difference. Whether you’re concerned about someone you know or simply want to understand the issue better, this program is for you.

What you’ll gain:

  • A deeper understanding of domestic violence in all its forms
  • How to recognize red flags and warning signs
  • Ways to safely support someone experiencing abuse
  • Information about local resources and services available through DVCCC

No prior knowledge needed – just an open mind and a willingness to learn.

Follow this link to register. This is a hybrid program. Join in-person or virtually.

#HankinLibrary #PAForward #InformationLiteracy

2025 Reading Challenge! October

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "October: A thriller, mystery, or horror book" written on it along with the silhouette of a spooky hand.

Welcome to the tenth month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for October is “A thriller, mystery, or horror book.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display, which will be up after our Banned Books Week display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/2025ReadingChallenge.

Happy reading!

2025 Reading Challenge! September

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "September: A book written by a Latinx author" written on it along with the silhouette of a cactus.

Welcome to the ninth month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for September is “A book written by a Latinx author.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions or check out the NoveList Plus database.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at bit.ly/2025ReadingChallenge.

Happy reading!

2025 Reading Challenge! August

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "August: A last-minute Summer Reading read" written on it along with the image of a pair of flip-flops.

Welcome to the eighth month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for August is “A last-minute Summer Reading read.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions or check out the NoveList Plus database.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/CCLReadingChallenge2025.

Happy reading!

2025 Reading Challenge! July

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "July: A book with a disabled protagonist" written on it along with a profile of a wheelchair.

Welcome to the seventh month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for July is “A book with a disabled protagonist.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions or check out the NoveList Plus database.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/CCLReadingChallenge2025.

Happy reading!

2025 Reading Challenge! June

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "June: A book written by an LGBTQ+ author" written on it along with a transgender symbol.

Welcome to the sixth month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for June is “A book written by an LGBTQ+ author.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions or check out the NoveList Plus database.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/CCLReadingChallenge2025.

Happy reading!

2025 Reading Challenge! May

An image of a post-it on a blue background with the text "May: A book set in Asia or the Pacific Islands" written on it along with a silhouette of a hibiscus flower.

Welcome to the fifth month of the Chester County and Henrietta Hankin Branch Libraries’ 2025 Reading Challenge! The challenge is open to all readers reading at a Young Adult or Adult level in any format.

Each month, there will be a new reading prompt to follow. The reading challenge prompt for May is “A book set in Asia or the Pacific Islands.”

Need inspiration for what to read? Check out a few suggested reads below! See the full list on our catalog here. Make sure to also visit the library to explore our interactive book display.

If you need even more inspiration for books to read or listen to, feel free to request Personalized Reading Suggestions or check out the NoveList Plus database.

No registration is necessary to participate in the challenge. To get started, simply pick up a physical tracking log at the Reference Desk or print one out at home using the link provided in the Resources section of the Reading Challenge page at https://bit.ly/CCLReadingChallenge2025.

Happy reading!