Everett Public Libraries Announce 2026 Reading Challenge with New Bingo Twist

Libraries combine traditional reading goals with interactive activities to encourage patrons to explore free resources.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:47pm

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The Everett Public Libraries are launching their annual reading challenge for 2026, with a new twist that combines traditional reading goals with a library-themed bingo card. Participants are invited to read 25 books throughout the year while also completing bingo activities that highlight the wide range of free resources available through the libraries, including checking out books, materials from the Library of Things collection, and exploring digital offerings.

Why it matters

The updated challenge aims to encourage more patrons to utilize the full breadth of services and resources offered by the Everett Public Libraries, beyond just checking out books. By incorporating interactive bingo activities, the libraries hope to make the challenge more engaging and rewarding for participants of all ages.

The details

To earn bingo stamps, participants will check out books and other materials, including items from the Library of Things collection, which features puzzles, board games, Wi-Fi hotspots, and more. Patrons will also be encouraged to explore the library's digital resources, such as online databases, e-books, and museum passes. Participants may earn bingo prizes up to five times throughout the year by completing five stamps in a row, and those who successfully complete the full bingo blackout will be entered into a Grand Prize Raffle.

  • The 2026 Reading Challenge & Bingo will run throughout the year of 2026.

The players

Everett Public Libraries

A public library system serving the city of Everett, Massachusetts, offering a wide range of free resources and services to the community.

Victoria Iannuzzi

The Head of Circulation for the Everett Public Libraries, who announced the new twist to the annual reading challenge.

Friends of the Everett Public Libraries

A non-profit organization that provides funding and support for the Everett Public Libraries, including sponsoring the Grand Prize Raffle for the reading challenge.

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What they’re saying

“After the last few years of reading challenges, the libraries have decided to kick it up a notch. So many of our patrons have been enjoying challenging themselves to go above and beyond with their reading, with many even surpassing the book count we have been encouraging. This year, we decided to mix things up by creating a new set of goals that requires patrons to use their library card to its fullest potential.”

— Victoria Iannuzzi, Head of Circulation

What’s next

Participants can visit either the Parlin Memorial Library or the Shute Memorial Library to pick up a physical book log and bingo card to participate in the 2026 Reading Challenge & Bingo. The challenge will run throughout the year, with opportunities to earn bingo prizes and be entered into a Grand Prize Raffle.

The takeaway

The Everett Public Libraries' updated reading challenge for 2026 aims to encourage more community engagement with the wide range of free resources and services offered by the libraries, beyond just checking out books. By incorporating a bingo-style activity, the libraries hope to make the challenge more interactive and rewarding for participants of all ages.