Reading Programs for All Ages
At Boise Public Library, we encourage and celebrate reading at every age and every level. Our reading challenges bring families and friends together while building strong reading habits that can last a lifetime.
For New Readers
Reading takes practice. Our challenges give new readers simple goals to work toward. Small wins build confidence, and confident readers are more likely to keep going.
For Teens
Reading helps teens grow in many ways. It builds knowledge, strengthens thinking skills, and reduces stress. Our challenges encourage teens to choose books they enjoy and explore new genres. Reading offers a break from busy schedules and screens, giving teens time to relax and imagine.
For Adults
Reading keeps the mind active and engaged. Our challenges encourage adults to explore new genres, authors, and formats. Trying something new can lead to new favorites. Reading also helps reduce stress and offers a healthy break from daily life. Setting a goal makes reading even more rewarding.
Ready for a Challenge? Check these out!
1,000 Books Before Kindergarten (Ongoing)
Audience: Birth–5 and their caregivers
Overview: An ongoing early literacy program supporting families in reading 1,000 books with their child before kindergarten.
Why Try It?
Reading helps babies and young children grow and learn. It builds language skills, sparks imagination, and grows curiosity. When families read together, children hear new sounds and words every day. Our reading challenges make it easy and fun to build reading into daily routines.
Summer Reading Challenge (May–July)
Audience: All ages
Overview: A flagship, multi-month program promoting reading, learning, and exploration during the summer.
Why Try It?
Research shows that many students lose reading skills over the summer break. Regular reading helps maintain vocabulary, comprehension, and fluency so children return to school confident and ready to learn. Plus, children choose their own books, making reading something they want to do and not something they have to do.
Winter Reading Challenge (February)
Audience: Children and teens
Overview: One month of dedicated reading in the middle of winter – a great time to snuggle up with a good book!
Why Try It?
A winter reading program is important because it keeps momentum going during a season when routines shift, daylight shrinks, and motivation can dip. Just like summer programs prevent learning loss, winter reading initiatives help sustain progress and engagement during the school year.
Ultimate Book Nerd Challenge (January–December)
Audience: Teens and Adults
Overview: A year-long reading challenge that begins every January, featuring creative prompts that encourage readers to explore new genres, authors, and ideas.
Why Try It?
A year-long reading program for adults – especially one that encourages exploring new genres, authors, and ideas - is important because it expands perspective, strengthens critical thinking, and builds a more connected community.
A Quick Note About Reading
Reading comes in all kinds of forms — and so do readers! Some people read every day, others jump in when the mood strikes. Reading isn’t just books on a shelf — it includes graphic novels, magazines, and audiobooks, too.
However you like to read (or listen!), there’s something for you. Our challenges are designed to help you discover stories that spark your interest and keep you turning pages. From fast-paced mysteries to colorful graphic novels to great listens on the go, there’s a perfect fit waiting.
Every page counts. Every step forward matters. Let’s celebrate progress, curiosity, and the joy of finding a great story.
Stay Connected
- Keep up-to-date on the latest Boise Public Library news through our monthly newsletters
- Need a new book idea? We are here to help! Just fill out the Personalized Picks form and our Librarians and staff will respond with some great ideas!
- Explore eBooks and eAudiobooks with your free Libby app
- Connect with Boise Public Library on Instagram and Facebook
- Check out our activities calendar! From storytimes and book clubs to adult crafts and cosplay, there is something for everyone. And it is all free!