By Paula Wright, KDL Branch Librarian at the Comstock Park Branch
Reprinted with permission of the Comstock Park Communicator
As 2026 begins, it is time to start thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. One popular resolution that many people pick is one based on a reading goal for the year. However, making a Reading Resolution can be more than just saying I want to read more this year! or I will read XX number of books this year! One of the hardest things about keeping a New Year’s resolution is that more often than not the resolutions are not a lot of fun and soon become a chore. Reading should always be a joy and never a chore, and there are a lot of different reading resolutions one can make that will be fun all year round.
Here are some fun Reading Resolutions ideas for 2026
- Read the Alphabet by Title or by Author
Read titles that start with each letter of the alphabet starting with the letter A. Anne of Green Gables (Montgomery); Beach House (Patterson); Carrie (King), etc. or use author names and read a book by Margret Atwood, David Baldacci, Tracy Chevalier, etc.
- Read the Seasons
During the winter read books with cold, snow, winter themes; during the spring read books with flowers, gardening, renewal themes; pick beach reads for the summer; and for autumn look at books with harvest, horror (Halloween) or learning (back to school) themes.
- Read and Watch
Books are often the inspiration for many movies and TV shows. Resolve to read the book before (or after) watching the movie/TV version. Project Hail Mary (Weir), The People we Meet on Vacation (Henry), and The Dog Stars (Heller) all have movie adaptations coming in 2026.
- Geography
Read a book written by an author from each of the 50 states,or read around the world and pick a book by an international author each month.
- Book Clubs
Join a monthly book club! KDL hosts over 20 different book clubs. There are also many community-based book clubs, online book clubs, bookstore clubs and you could always start your own. Need help finding a book club – ask your local librarian for help or visit kdl.org.
- Recommendations
Ask your friends and family to recommend their favorite reads and read one from each important person in your life. As a bonus, you can discuss the read when you're done.
- Pick a Time Goal
Want to get back into reading but picking a book-specific reading resolution may not work for your busy life? Try picking a time goal instead. Commit to reading 15, 20, 30, 60 minutes a day – do not focus on specific books but just read whatever you want – it could be a book, but it also could be a magazine, newspaper, reddit, cookbook, blog etc.
8. DNF goal
Don’t set a reading goal at all. Instead give yourself permission to DNF – Did Not Finish. Many people feel that if they start a book they must finish it but there are too many great books out there to force yourself through one that is unenjoyable; instead give yourself permission to NOT finish a book you don’t like, to put it down and try something else instead.
Let it Snow
No matter what your Reading Resolution is for 2026 is (or even if you do not have one), remember to join KDL’s annual winter reading program for adults and teens: Let it Snow!
Let it Snow challenges you to read six books over the months of December through February. The library has suggested categories, and booklists on what to read, but reading for a specific category is not a requirement to complete the challenge – you can read whatever six books you want.
Once you complete your six books, bring your reading log to your favorite KDL branch and pick up your Let it Snow mug! We have an exciting new design this year! You will also receive a card to read an additional four titles – return the card to any KDL branch by February 27 and you’ll be entered into a drawing to win a gift certificate to a local indie bookstore.
You can pick up a reading log at any KDL branch or participate in Let it Snow online via the Beanstack app or at kdl.beanstack.org. For more information about the Let it Snow program please visit kdl.org/snow.
Happy Winter! Stay warm, stay safe and enjoy a great book!
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