Branch Out Reading Challenge 2025: How to Participate
Branch Out is a new reading challenge for adults, designed to grow your reading.
The program is designed to be as flexible as you like: complete the themes in any order, at whatever pace you like. Complete all 12 themes over 12 months, or faster if you prefer. With each completed theme, your name will go into the hat for raffles happening throughout the year. Finish all 12 themes for a collectible prize.
How To Participate
- Choose a theme.
- Read any book that fits the theme. Our librarians have handpicked some fiction and nonfiction suggestions for each theme to get you started, but you can pick any book that fits the theme, whether it is listed in the booklet, the additional reading suggestions, or something you selected on your own.
- When you finish the book, fill out this form to indicate you have completed that theme.
- Repeat until you have completed all 12 themes.
Have any questions? Check our FAQ or reach out to us at adultdesk@vapld.info or 224-543-1485
Looking for more recommendations beyond the titles in the booklet or listed below? Check out our reading suggestions or stop by the desk for additional book ideas.
Branch Out Themes
Meet Someone New
Step into someone else’s life. Read a biographical fiction book, a biography, or a memoir.
Looking for more books for this theme?
Patron of the Arts
Find inspiration in the arts. Read a book related to music or the arts.
Beyond the Headlines
Dive deeper into the news of the day. Read a book that relates to current events or has topical themes.
What's in a Name
Play the name game! Read a book with a name in the title.
Blockbusters You Might Have Missed
Was there a book that made you say “Maybe later” when you saw the waiting list the first time around? Read a book that was recently popular with your neighbors.
Award Winners
There’s a book for every reader and recognition for every genre. Read a book that won an award in recent years.
Looking for more books for this theme?
One Word Titles
Short, sweet, and to the point. Read a book with a one word title.
Time After Time
Travel through time from the comfort of your home. Read a book about time, futuristic elements, time-travel, or parallel timelines.
So Good, It’s Criminal
It’s criminally good! Read a mystery, crime fiction, or a true crime book.
Found in Translation
Transport yourself through the power of translation. Read a book that was translated into the language of your choosing.
Treat Yourself
Take a well-deserved break. Read an uplifting, cozy, or humorous book.
