Updates & Challenge FAQs

Check back here for corrections, updates, and frequently asked questions!

Updates and Corrections

5/7/2020 - Due to the library's emergency closure, the first day to complete has been postponed indefinitely. Please keep checking this page for further updates.

5/1/2020 - We know that the library closure impacts your access to its physical collection, which may in turn be a hurdle in completing the Extreme Reader challenge. Our goal is to ensure that this challenge remains equitable for all participants, and although we have a large selection of eBooks and digital audiobooks, we don't want lack of access to "the stacks" to impact anyone's ability to finish.

Due to this unforeseen circumstance, and based on how long we have been closed in compliance with Gov. Inslee's Stay Home, Stay Healthy order, we will be reducing the number of books required to complete the 2020 challenge.

The new challenge requirements are as follows:

Adult Challenge - Read 40 books (previously 50)

Teen Challenge - Read 20 books (previously 25)

1/22/2020 - The downloadable fillable reading log is not working properly on many Apple/iOS systems such as iPads and iPhones. Participants will need to download a third party app from the App Store such as PDF Expert or Adobe Fill & Sign in order to use the form on an Apple/iOS device.

1/22/2020 - The fillable reading log appears to have issues working in the Firefox web browser. Please try Chrome or Internet Explorer browsers instead.

1/21/2020 - An unofficial, participant run Goodreads group has been created. See link and details below under 'Connect & Contact'.

Challenge FAQs:

1. Do audiobooks and graphic novels count in this challenge?

Absolutely! Both audiobooks and graphic novels are just another way to tell a story. As long as they are at the appropriate reading level for the participant, they are acceptable formats.

2. Do juvenile books count towards reading challenge?

As Extreme Reader is based on the honor system, we hope that participants will honor the nature of the challenge with their reading selections. Teen and higher level Juvenile fiction books count, but other lower level books (easy readers, picture books, and board books) will not be accepted.

3. I love podcasts; both fictional and non-fiction storytelling varieties. Can they count towards the Extreme Reader challenge?

Unfortunately, podcasts cannot be counted towards the Extreme Reader challenge.

4. If I sign up for the challenge later in the year, can books I’ve already read be applied to the challenge or can I only count books that are read after I’ve officially registered?

Books read between January 2 and December 18, 2020 can be counted towards the challenge, regardless of when you register. Registration ends on July 31, 2020.

5. Do I have to use the official Extreme Reader reading log or can I keep track on my own?

You may keep a reading log in any form you choose (spreadsheet, journal, typed list, etc.) but a printable version that includes the following information must be presented in person at a Tacoma Public Library location to complete the challenge:

• • • Categories (exact wording from official log/category list included)
    • Title
    • Author

6. Can I read one book and apply it to multiple categories?

 Each title you read can only fulfill a single category.

7. If I read a book for the challenge that I’ve already read before, does it still count?

Absolutely! If you read through a book during the challenge, it can be used, regardless of how many times you’ve read it in the past.