Jax Stacks Reading Challenge for Adults

#Pick a Prize

It's completely optional but if you want to win a prize, be sure to keep track of those book titles on your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge bookmark. When you're done, just snap a picture of the front and back and send it to us at jplprograms@coj.net before December 31! You can also bring it to your favorite library location and ask a librarian to snap the picture and submit it on your behalf. 

Challenge winners will receive:

• 50% off coupon to the Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library Bookstore
• Choice of a reusable canvas tote, mug, journal, or tumbler (while supplies last)

Note: We have a friendly competition going on between library branches for the location(s) with the most bookmarks submitted. So, even if you don't want a prize, we'd still love to see your bookmark. Staff at the branches with the most winners will get some "Jax Snacks" (and bragging rights).

#The Complete "Rules"

Rule #1: Have fun reading.
Rule #2: Check out books from the Library.
Rule #3: Let us know when you're done so we can give you a prize

That’s all we’re really asking of you! Admittedly, these are really more like guidelines than rules (except the first rule, we're pretty sure that one is important).  

You can complete as much or as little of the challenge as you want. Don't think you can commit to 12 books? Pick your favorite category and just start reading. You might surprise yourself! 

#How to Claim Your Prize

• Bring the completed bookmark back to the Library on or before December 31
• or email jplprograms@coj.net with a picture of your completed bookmark (front and back)

#Keep Track of Your Progress

Stop by your local library for a Jax Stacks Reading Challenge Bookmark. For those who prefer a paperless options, find us on StoryGraph and Goodreads.

#Choose Your 2026 Challenge Categories

Choose your reading adventure - starting January 1, 2026! 

After picking your 12 favorite categories from the 16 listed below, you'll want to read one book for each category you selected. Each book only counts once (for one category), so choose wisely! 

1. A book by a 2026 Lit Chat author
2. A book read by a Library Book Club in 2026
3. A book from a Library display
4. A book on an "everyone should read this" list
5. A book in the Zine, Local Author, or Indie Florida collections
6. A book with an unreliable narrator
7. A book that fits a previous year's challenge category (see below)
8. A book suggested by a friend or family member
9. A book that takes places over 24 hours (or less)
10. A book with a "punny" title
11. A book set somewhere you have lived or visited
12. A book written by or about a celebrity
13. A book that you haven't read by your favorite author
14. A book about the Olympics or an Olympian
15. A Bildungsroman or a coming-of-age story
16. A western, fiction or nonfiction

#Ready to plan your TBR? 

Check out these starter recommendations and staff picks.