Welcome to INSPIRE YOUR SHELF, the NEW yearlong adult reading challenge at Carnegie-Stout Public Library! Track your reading, take on seasonal challenges, win prizes, and meet your fellow Dubuque readers at special events.

Join anytime! All readers ages 18+ are welcome to join this reading challenge at any point during 2026. We'll add new challenges each month, with parties three times a year. It's never too late to join the fun!

There are two ways to participate and track your reading:

1. Track your reading on a paper log by singing up in-person at the library at the 1st floor Recommendations Desk or the 2nd floor Reference Desk 

   OR 

2. Track your reading online by downloading and using the Beanstack app on your device to register. Learn more at dubuque.beanstack.org.

Inserts with new seasonal challenges will be available to add to your log in February, June, and September at the 1st floor Recommendations Desk or 2nd floor Reference Desk. Those same seasonal challenges will also be available on Beanstack.

All parts of this challenge are optional, but we invite you take the opportunity to try something new and explore outside of your comfort zone!

What do I do?
Read books and use a paper log or Beanstack to keep track of your reading in 2026

What if I only read five really big books this year?
Keep track of the amount of time you spend reading during 2026 instead of counting the number of books!

I read all the time, what makes this a challenge?
Readers will be given monthly challenge categories to encourage reding new genres, authors, or types of books.

Is this just about reading?
No! You will also have opportunities to interact with the library in different ways, from attending programs to borrowing non-book items.

So are there any prizes?
Yes! Every few months we'll invite all "Inspire Your Shelf" participants to join us for a celebration!

I read a lot! What do I do if I fill up all of the pages of my paper log?
Ask the librarian for new page inserts with more lines to write down your books!

If I track on Beanstack, can I still have a paper log because they're cute and fun?
Absolutely! Just be sure to log your reading in Beanstack too.

MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact us at yourlibrarian@carnegiestout.org or call 563-589-4225 and ask for the Reference Desk.