Last year, I signed up for one of those annual reading challenges online. My goal felt conservative: 60 books in 2025. Surely I could do it. I love reading!
I started out strong. Each finished book felt like a small victory. I read across genres and eras, explored local authors, and even got to talk to a few, thanks to this sweet gig I have at the Northshore Journal. There is something satisfying about closing a book and knowing you can mark it towards your total goal.
Looking back at my Goodreads.com retrospective, I was clearly on a roll until about September. Then I slid into a reading slump and didn’t hit even 70 percent of my goal. I’m disappointed because my TBR list is longer than it’s ever been, and at home stacks of books are calling my name from every corner. I have even had to limit how many stray books I bring home with me, which feels like trying to limit how many Lake Superior Agates you pick up on the beach. No thanks!
So what happened? I’ve reflected on this and discovered that a lot of my quiet time over the year went to scrolling on my phone instead of reading. Doom scrolling bums a person out, and while I love a good animal video, I couldn’t recall even 1 percent of the millions I’ve watched. That tells me I’m spending too much time on mindlessness and not enough on the things that actually fill me up.
Mindlessness has its place and a little zoning out can be healthy. But when it starts to get in the way of goals, learning, and growing, it is probably time to challenge yourself with something new or at least something more intentional.
Luckily, local libraries make it easy. The Silver Bay Public Library is hosting an All-Ages Winter Reading Program from December 29 to January 23. With their expanded 2026 hours (the library recently announced they will be open on Saturdays) there is even more time to take part. This year’s theme is “Track Down a Book.” Participants can enjoy activities and crafts, and prizes are available for reading, though for me, reading is a prize in itself. Residents can sign up at the Silver Bay Public Library for more information.
The Two Harbors Public Library’s winter program runs January 1 through February 28. Readers can join “Cozy Winter Reading Bingo” through Beanstack. Sign up virtually at twoharborspubliclibrary.beanstack.com, or pick up a paper bingo card by visiting the library in person.
Taking part in a local challenge is a simple way to add a little structure to your reading life, and sometimes structure is exactly what gets a person out of a slump.
Whether you are chasing a personal reading goal like me or just looking for a cozy winter activity, these programs are a great way to track down your next favorite book and put down the phone for at least a chapter or two or six!
