The start of a new year is a chance to pause, reflect, and think about what you want to achieve in the next twelve months. If you’re looking for a fresh start to the new year, reading can be a great resolution. A book-related resolution can complement your other goals for the year ahead—listen to an audiobook to get you hooked on taking daily walks or cut down on your screen time by picking up a book instead of scrolling through your phone before bed.

Whether you’re into making resolutions or not, check out these tips to help you bring more reading into your life in 2024.

Register for the Reading Challenge
Make 2025 a year of adventure and discovery by setting a reading resolution with the free Burlington Public Library Reading Challenge. The goal of the challenge is to read one book every month on a different theme or topic — you choose the book. In January, the challenge kicks off with a book set in a faraway place.

Every month, the Library will share a new set of recommended reads and other ways to help you find a book you’ll love that fits the monthly theme. Track your progress by checking in online for a chance to win monthly prizes!

Connect with other readers
It’s like having a gym buddy, but for books! The Library hosts a monthly meet-up for BPL Reading Challenge participants to talk about what they read and exchange reading recommendations.

More reading resolutions
Beyond the Reading Challenge, there are lots of fun ways you can motivate yourself to read more in 2025:

  • Read the alphabet: Start with A and work your way through reading authors or books starting with each letter of the alphabet.
  • Make a to-be-read jar: Anytime you hear about a book you want to read, write it on a scrap of paper and toss it in a Mason jar, then pick a book from the jar when you’re not sure what to read next.
  • Travel through books: Make a list of all the places you want to visit someday, then pick books set in those places.
  • Expand your shelf: Exploring stories from people with different lived experiences can challenge your thinking, improve your empathy, and expand your understanding of global issues.
  • Take on the classics: They’re (usually) popular for a reason, so consider tackling the books you skipped (or skimmed) in high school. For a fun twist, read the graphic or comic version of a classic novel, too!
  • Ask us for a booklist curated by our book-loving staff through our Handpicked for You service!

May your year ahead be filled with great books!