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This one is for readers who can go the distance! Join our 10-month-long Reading Marathon and test your endurance! Challenge yourself to reach the finish line! 18+ AAPLD cardholders only.
Register online or in person beginning on Saturday, February 1st, 2025. Pick up your reading packet in Adult Services at the Main Library or at the Eastgate branch.
To compete in the challenge, marathoners will read a book from each of the following 26 categories. Why 26? Because there are 26 miles in a marathon! Click on each category to find inspiration. (Categories may be completed in any order.)
1. Road on the Cover
2. Athlete Bio
3. Set at Sea
4. Title = Family
5. What’s My Line?
6. The Circus
7. Want to Visit
8. Diary / Epistolary
9. Published pre-1900
10. Own It, Haven’t Read It
11. Set in My Birth Decade
12. Now on TV
13. Translated Work
14. Set Overseas
15. Fruit on the Cover
16. Essays
17. Topic I Avoid
18. Award Winner
19. Always Wanted to Read
20. Mount Everest
21. Set in Chicagoland
22. NYT Bestseller
23. Illinois Author
24. Banned
25. 500+ pages
26. Younger than Me
Bonus: Marathoners will be able to participate in the Summer Reading Program and the Reading Marathon at the same time! Your reading during the months of June and July will count for both programs and qualify for both sets of prizes.
To earn everlasting renown and receive the Reading Marathon Finishers Prize, you can turn in your log as soon as you complete the program, but no later than November 30, 2025. Prizes will be available for pick up at both libraries beginning on Monday, December 15, 2025.
Ready. Set. Go!
AAPLD embraces inclusivity in its programs and services. To request accommodations, please email [info@aapld.org] or call (847) 458-6060 x143 at least 7 days in advance.
