Who doesn’t love a good challenge?

Hoopla’s title recommendation program, the Hoopla Reading Challenge, is a great way to increase engagement by recommending audiobooks, eBooks, comics, and manga to patrons.

With a different seasonal theme every month, the challenge encourages patrons to read or listen to one book (or more!) from each of the lists within the given month. The lists feature Hoopla Instant titles so there are never holds or late fees—just instant access to the title of the patron’s choice.

Featuring a wide variety of topics and genres, the 2026 Hoopla Reading Challenge schedule* ensures that patrons get the chance to explore new worlds throughout the year:

  • Healing Fiction: Works featuring robust character growth, bittersweet stories dealing with loss, or staggering redemption arcs.
  • Girl Boss Energy: Stories of strong female characters and stories, from femme fatales to dragon lovers to indie darlings.
  • Tearjerkers – Ugly Cry Approved: Heart-wrenching stories that will make patrons cry—in the best way.
  • Rain & Bloom Reads: Titles with flowers or rain (or both) on the cover, in the name, or in the plot.
  • Rock ‘n Reads – Music Inspired Stories: Fictional titles and informative biographies from the world of music.
  • Dad Lit – Books for Dad: Tales of fathers and father figures, as well as action-packed stories perfect for a post-mow recliner session.
  • Let’s Begin – Series To Start: From popular series to sleeper hits, works that will keep patrons coming back for more.
  • Journey Through the Ages – Historical Fiction: A trip back in time with period pieces from the distant—and not so distant—past.
  • Reality, Enchanted – Magical Realism: Where everyday life meets enchantment and surreal beauty.     
  • Beware the Forest – Horror & Thriller: Horror, thrillers, and suspense set in eerie forests.
  • Family Secrets – What’s the Tea: Dramas and mysteries centered on family dynamics and hidden truths.
  • Unbeatable Eatable Reads – Short Reads: Short reads and listens that can be consumed in one sitting—but are still worth a borrow.

Challenge Your Patrons Today

Visit the Hoopla Resource Center to promote the challenge with marketing assets. Or contact your Hoopla account manager to learn more about how the Hoopla Reading Challenge can help boost patron engagement!

*Schedule subject to change