Welcome to the Library’s year-round reading challenges, where the joy of reading takes center stage! Challenge yourself to read every day to expand your knowledge, ease stress, and create mindful reading habits. What you read is up to you, but we have prompts to inspire reading beyond your usual picks. Whether you’re an avid reader or want to read more, join one (or more!) of these challenges to make reading an enriching part of your life.
2026 Reading Challenge Schedule
Adult Banned Books Reading Challenge
October 1-31, 2026
Let Books Be. Protect the Freedom to Read.
Celebrate National Banned Books Week, October 4-10, 2026! Join the Adult Banned Books Reading challenge during the month of October.
The Freedom to Read isn’t just a concept we discuss behind the scenes. We will empower you to help us champion the Freedom to Read.
- The Indianapolis Public Library believes you should have the power to choose what you read.
- Every book is the story of someone or something—you might find yourself in it, or you might discover something totally new.
- It’s okay if a book isn’t right for you—but it might be exactly what someone else needs. The Indianapolis Public Library is where every story is found.
(Gregory Hill, CEO, October 2026)
How it works
1. Register at the Library's Reading Challenges website OR search “Beanstack” in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to download the Beanstack app.
2. Track the time you spend reading, reading aloud, or having someone read to you, including audiobooks.
3. Measure your progress through Beanstack. Earn badges along the way towards your reading goal. 20 minutes a day will get you there!
4. Don’t go it alone! Encourage your friends and family to read with you and compete to see who reads the most through Leadership Boards on Beanstack.
Need help? Ask a Library staff member at any of our locations or call, text or email Ask-a-Librarian. The Tinker Station helpline at (317) 275-4500 is also available. It is staffed by device experts who can answer questions about how to read, watch, and listen on a PC, tablet, or phone.
1000 Books Before Kindergarten
Promotes early learning skills by reading aloud! In this program prizes are awarded for reading 100, 500, and 1000 books. At 1000 books, every child receives a hardback picture book! Learn more about 1000 Books Before Kindergarten.
100 Books Before Graduation
Indianapolis students in grades 7-12 - your goal, should you choose to accept it, is to read 100 books before you graduate from high school. If you do, you will receive prizes as you participate! Learn more about 100 Books Before Graduation.