The Northeastern University Library is excited to announce its third annual Reading Challenge! For each month of 2026, library staff have selected a theme. If you read a book that first the monthly theme and then fill out a quick survey about what you read, you’ll be entered in a prize drawing. We’re giving away prizes every month, so you have 12 chances to win!
How to Participate
Step 1: Read a book that first the theme. Need inspiration? Check out Libby for on-theme audiobooks and e-books, or visit Snell Library during one of our monthly tabling events to browse selections from our print collection and pick up Reading Challenge bookmarks and stickers.
Step 2: Tell us what you read. Every month, we’ll draw one winning name from the list of readers who have completed our book survey
The Themes
The 2026 themes are:
January: A book about exploration, travel, or a journey
February: A book under 200 pages
March: A book written in letters or diary entries
April: A book recommended by a librarian
May: A book with a non-human protagonist
June: A book about activism
July: A book about American history
August: A book by an author local to your Northeastern campus
September: A book set on a college campus
October: A book of investigative journalism
November: A book about food
December: A book published in 2026
The Prizes
The prizes vary monthly and include:
- Northeastern University merch
- Stocked study rooms and finals week care packages
- Library posters featuring our own Paws the Husky
Stay Up to Date
Want to stay in the loop on the Reading Challenge? You can sign up for our newsletter to receive monthly book recommendations. Make sure you’re also following the Library News blog and our social media accounts (@NortheasternLib on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky) to find out the winner each month, and keep an eye on the library calendar to find out when we’ll be hosting events!
Questions about the challenge? Contact Brooke Williams, Research & Student Success Librarian. Happy reading!