Are you up for the challenge?
Welcome to Grimsby Public Library's 2025 Reading Challenge! Designed to help you read more, build and get through your TBR pile, and encourage a love of books in the community.
 
How to participate
Read a book according to each month's prompt to complete the Challenge. That's one book a month, and only 12 books total. You can do it!
 
For a little extra motivation, if you complete all 12 prompts, you'll be eligible to win our grand prize at the end of the year. (Tip: you don't have to do the challenges in order, as long as you complete all 12 within the year, it still counts!) 
 
Monthly recommendations 
By signing up for this e-Newsletter, you'll get monthly recommendations for each challenge throughout the year straight to your inbox. Every year in January we start again and send you a brand new list of 12 challenges.
 
2024 winners
The winner of the 2024 Reading Challenge has now been contacted. Congratulations to our winner, and thanks to everyone for participating!
 
Your 2025 Challenges
Check out the full list of 2025 challenges below. Visit the Grimsby Public Library's 2025 Reading Challenge page on our website all year round to access the list of challenges any time.
 
Grand Prize Draw: Complete all 12 challenges? You can enter the grand prize draw! Just complete the online submission form we send out at the end of the year, OR pick up and fill out a paper submission form/tracking sheet from the Library any time and drop it off at the library.
 
 January
1 | A book with 2, 0 or 5 in the title
Ring in 2025 with titles that celebrate this New Year! Read books that include 2, 0 or 5 (or two, zero or five). Whether it’s a thrilling mystery, an inspiring memoir, or a heartwarming romance, these numbers promise to unlock stories that resonate with the promise of new beginnings.
February
2 | A translated book
Whether it’s a tale of mystery from Japan, a poignant drama from Colombia, or a captivating romance from France, expand your global horizons by reading a book that was originally written in a different language.
March
3 | A book picked by a friend/family member
Put your TBR in the hands of a trusted friend or family member by letting them select your March read. Whether it’s a beloved classic or a modern masterpiece, this reading prompt is a wonderful way to connect over the love of books. 
April
4 | A book with an element from the periodic table in the title
This unique reading prompt is designed to ignite your curiosity and broaden your horizons. By exploring books that feature an element in their titles you might just uncover some hidden gems!
May
5 | A book set in a bookshop or library
Our May prompt invites you to explore enchanting tales set in the heart of bookshops and libraries. Whether it's a quaint little bookstore nestled in a bustling city or a grand library steeped in history, these literary gems promise to captivate your imagination.
June
6 | A book or author you said you'd never read
Have you ever dismissed a book or author with a hasty "not for me"? It's time to embrace the thrill of the unknown and step outside your reading comfort zone. Our latest reading prompt invites you to take the plunge and explore a book or author you thought you'd never read.
July
7 | A memoir from the 700 or 900 section of the library
Unlock the captivating world of memoirs and explore the profound stories nestled within the 700 and 900 sections of the library's Non-Fiction section. These sections house fascinating autobiographies and biographies, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of remarkable individuals from various walks of life.
 
August
8 | A book from the Recent Fiction or
Non-Fiction Shelves at the Library
Visit the library and embark on a reading adventure from our Recent Fiction and Non-Fiction display shelves. Our collection is constantly updated with the latest and most popular titles, ensuring you'll always find something fresh and exciting to read.
September
9 | A book that has been nominated or won an award
This challenge invites you to read a book that has been nominated for or has won a prestigious literary award. Whether it's the Giller Prize, the Man Booker Prize, the Hugo Award, or any other esteemed accolade, these books have captured the hearts and minds of readers and critics alike.
October
10 | A fantasy, science fiction or horror book 
Explore the limitless possibilities of fantasy, science fiction, or horror literature. Whether you're soaring through fantastical lands, navigating the complexities of futuristic societies, or confronting the eerie shadows lurking in the night, there's a world waiting for you to discover.
November
11 | A book with a beautiful-to-you cover
Have you ever picked up a book simply because its cover caught your eye? Now's your chance to dive into an enchanting world where the beauty of the cover is just the beginning. This reading prompt invites you to choose a book with a cover that you find breathtakingly beautiful.
December
12 | A book that takes place in winter
Discover the magic and mystery of a book set in winter, where the frost-laden landscapes and snow-draped scenes create the perfect backdrop for an unforgettable story. Whether it's a tale of survival, romance under the northern lights, or a thrilling mystery wrapped in a blanket of snow, winter-themed books offer a unique escape into a world of wonder.
Some recommendations to get you started
January
May
September
February
June
October
March
July
November
April
August
December
Want to place a hold on one of these titles?
Click on the book cover to go to our online catalogue, sign into your account and place your hold.
 
Track Your Reading
Half the battle of completing a reading challenge is keeping track and staying motivated. Here are a couple ways we suggest to stay organized:
  1. Download, print and fill out the GPL Reading Challenge form
  2. Create a list of what you read using your GPL online account
  3. Use a book tracking website like Goodreads or The Storygraph
Share with us!
Sharing the books you read is not required, but highly encouraged! Share your progress with us and other readers by posting photos and updates on social media using the hashtag #GPLReadingChallenge  and tagging us @GrimsbyLibrary!

Good Luck!
Share what your reading
Share your picks for the 2025 GPL Reading Challenge online by tagging us @GrimsbyLibrary with #GPLReadingChallenge!
 
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Grimsby Public Library
18 Carnegie Lane
Grimsby, Ontario L3M 1Y1
905-945-5142

https://www.grimsby.ca/en/parks-recreation-culture/library.aspx