Submitted by the San Juan Island Library

Can you believe that the San Juan Island Library has been in its present building for 35 years? To celebrate the occasion, San Juan Island Library staff is challenging folks to read 35 books this year. The program is called Reading Revels 2018: 35/35.

Every month, a new thematic reading challenge will be posted on the library’s reading blog, Reading Revels at www.readingrevels2018.wordpress.com. Visit to see the projected theme list for the year.

Readers earn points by submitting titles they read that meet the challenges. Extra points can be earned by submitting a review or summary of chosen books.

Staff will provide reading suggestions for each challenge and participants are encouraged to share how their reading progresses and offer additional title suggestions to others. Each month, a submission, determined by library staff, will win a small prize. Then when participants reach 35 books, they will win a book. In December 2018, the participant with the most points will be crowned the 2018 San Juan Island Reader of the Year.

The winner will be rewarded with prizes and help choose themes for the 2019 contest. Staff will also feature a list of the winner’s favorite 2018 books.

There will be three categories of final winners: island reader; under 18 island reader; and library staff (no prizes awarded).

Staff hopes that people will take this opportunity to connect with others and share their love of books. Join in this year-long challenge to read from a wide variety of sources, genres, themes, formats, and subjects. Participants will be challenged, enlightened and entertained.

To join, visit the Reading Revels blog and fill out a participation form, or pick one up from the library. For submissions, questions, updates, and information, an email address is needed to participate. For more information, contact lbaker@sjlib.org.