Reading Challenge Week

Sunday, April 19 (2pm - 4pm) - Salem Public Library - Read-a-Thon
Celebrate Reading Challenge Week at Salem Public Library with a community Read-a-Thon on the lawn (weather permitting), kicking off both National Library Week and Reading Challenge Week. Participants are also invited to join a writing challenge inspired by April’s Reading Challenge prompt, “Read a short story or essay collection,” by submitting a short story or personal essay (about 400–450 words) by April 25. Selected submissions will be collected, bound, and cataloged by the library as part of Salem’s year-long Salem400 anniversary celebration.

Tuesday, April 21 (12pm - 3pm) - The Westborough Public Library - Challenge Accepted: Mini Reading Edition for Teens
Celebrate Reading Challenge Week with a fast, fun Mini Reading Challenge Speed Run! Whether you're already participating in the Massachusetts Center for the Book's Student Reading Challenge or just challenge-curious, teens can complete ridiculous bookish tasks in under an hour. Discover strange titles, attempt dramatic readings, and get a sneak peek at the upcoming challenge cycle launching in June. No pressure — just instant reading victory. No registration required. Open to teens in grades 6-12.

Tuesday, April 21 (2pm - 3pm) - South Hadley Public Library - Book Bingo
Celebrate Reading Challenge Week with a fun afternoon of Book Bingo! Children, teens, and their families are invited to join fellow readers at the library for a fun and exciting hour of Bingo. Everyone is a winner at the library and all who attend will take home a book!

Tuesday, April 21 (4pm - 6pm) - Oak Bluffs Public Library - Book Tasting
Drop in for a Book Tasting and explore new genres and authors in a relaxed, interactive setting. Browse curated tables, chat with fellow readers, and discover books that fit the Reading Challenge—with options for both April and May prompts. Take notes on what interests you and check out a new read to bring home!

Wednesday, April 22 (2pm - 3pm) - West Yarmouth Library - Reading Challenge Gathering
Are you reading along with our Massachusetts Center for the Book monthly challenges? Would you like to meet up with others doing the same? Join us for a meet-up and discussion of this month’s challenge - essays and short stories! No registration necessary.

Wednesday, April 22 (6pm - 7:30pm) - West Bridgewater Public Library - Silent Book Club
Reading Challenge participants are invited to bring whatever they’re currently reading and enjoy a relaxed, communal reading hour in the gallery space, with snacks and chill background music.

Wednesday, April 22 (6:30 - 8:30pm) - Thomas Crane Public Library - National Library Week: Silent Reading Party
Celebrate National Library Week with us at our first ever silent reading event! Join other introverts and bibliophiles in our historic Richardson building to enjoy your current read or start something new. We will have recommended books to borrow and peruse, tea, and information about the Mass Center for the Book's ongoing 2026 reading challenge! We will also have opportunities to learn more about all the things your public library can offer you! So bring your favorite cozy blanket, a book (or your library card), and read with us. While contemporary libraries are so much more than just books, books and community never go out of style.

Thursday, April 23 (3:30pm - 4:15pm) - The Westborough Public Library - Kids Book Buzz
A meetup to talk about the latest, greatest, and most favorite books kids are reading! FREE & open to kids in grades 2-5. Registration Required.

Thursday, April 23 (2:30pm - 4:30pm) - Auburn Public Library - Open House
Celebrate our first-ever Reading Challenge Week! In partnership with Mass Center of the Book, the Auburn Public Library will host an open house for community members to browse our current collections, receive personalized book recommendations, and explore different technologies for reading (such as Libby, Hoopla, Talking Book Library, and more!). Stop by or stay a while, we'll be excited to see you there! No registration required, ages 16+

Friday, April 24 (1pm - 2pm) - Walpole Council on Aging - Literary Trivia
Put your book smarts to the test at our Literary Trivia Afternoon! Join us at the Walpole COA for a lively celebration of stories, authors, and unforgettable characters in honor of Reading Challenge Week, Library Week, and Independent Bookstore Day. This event is for seniors only, and registration is required. Call 508-668-3330 to register.

Friday, April 24 (5:30pm - 6:30pm) - TidePool BookShop - Book Club
Reading Challenge participants are invited to gather for a relaxed, informal book club conversation to get to know one another and share about their April read. Meets on the last Friday every month.

Saturday, April 25 (10:30am - 11:30am) - Springfield Central Library - Bookmark Decorating
Join us for a fun bookmark decorating session as part of Reading Challenge Week! While you create, we’ll chat about the Reading Challenge and preview next month’s theme.

Saturday, April 25 (11:30am - 2pm) - Indian Orchard Branch of the Springfield City Library - Bookmark Decorating
Join us for a fun bookmark decorating session as part of Reading Challenge Week! While you create, we’ll chat about the Reading Challenge and preview next month’s theme.

Saturday, April 25 (12pm - 1pm) - Joseph H. Plumb Memorial Library - Mass Reading Challenge: Adult Storytime
Storytime isn't just for kids! Adults enjoy listening to stories, too. Sit back, relax, and be transported as Plumb Library Director, Kristen Cardoso, reads a short story aloud. Light refreshments will be served. Come share your favorite reads from the Massachusetts Center for the Book's 2026 Reading Challenge for Adults, or just come learn more about the challenge!

Sunday, April 26 (2pm - 3pm) - Erving Public Library - Book Club
Join the Erving Public Library Book Club to discuss Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri as part of the Massachusetts Center for the Book Reading Challenge. Enjoy tea and snacks while connecting with fellow readers and sharing your thoughts on this celebrated collection of stories.

Monday, April 27 (12:15pm - 1:15pm) - Barnstable Adult Community Center - Book Club
Reading Challenge participants are invited to gather for a relaxed, informal book club conversation to get to know one another and share about their April and/or May read.

Tuesday, April 28 (11am - 7pm) - Carver Public Library - A Reading Lounge
Looking for a quiet way to spend some time at the library? Join us for a relaxed, drop-in reading experience. Bring a book, grab a drink and a snack, and enjoy some time reading alongside the library staff and others in the community. Stay for a few minutes or a few hours. Before you leave, add your book to our community reading board and see what others are discovering.

Wednesday, April 29 (7pm - 8pm) - Storybook Cove - Book Club
Join the new Storybook Cove Reading Challenge Book Group, where readers gather on the last Wednesday of each month to share the book they chose for that month’s Reading Challenge theme. This relaxed, participant-led gathering invites everyone to talk about what they’re reading - no assigned book and no discussion questions, just a love of books. Snacks and water will be provided.

April 19-28 - Booklovers' Gourmet & the Gladys E. Kelly Library - Book Sale & Raffle
Celebrate Reading Challenge Week with Booklovers’ Gourmet and the Gladys E. Kelly Library from April 19-28. Booklovers’ Gourmet will offer 20% off books for participants, and both locations will feature displays with monthly reading recommendations. Enter a free raffle for bookish swag while you discover your next read.