Reading Challenge: Read a Book to Boost Your Happiness

This week on The Book Drop, your hosts Amy and Maggie are joined by Learning Librarian Emily Beasley to kick off the Reading Challenge with a discussion on the theme to read a book to boost your happiness! Emily submitted the theme idea, which was picked by OPL’s collection development team.

All the books and resources we talk about in this episode can be found here or by visiting omahalibrary.org/podcast.

About the Reading Challenge:
OPL’s Reading Challenge is an annual program created to push you outside your comfort zone and into new literary realms. You can complete the challenge themes monthly or on your own timeline. When you finish, turn in your reading log at any branch for a prize. 

To find the entire 2026 Reading Challenge List, along with book lists of suggested titles for each theme, go to omahalibrary.org/reading-challenge or visit your nearest branch for a tracking booklet (available in English and Spanish).

What’s Happening at OPL:

• Mark Twain and The Gilded Age | Sunday, Jan. 25, from 2 to 3 p.m. at Genealogy & Local History Room 
• Resources for Starting or Growing Your Small Business | Monday, Jan. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. at Charles B. Washington Branch
• Seed Starting Indoors | Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at Downtown Branch

Explore all upcoming events at omahalibrary.org/events.

Join the conversation for the next episode! Tell us what's the top of your TBR for 2026? Share your answers by email at thebookdrop@omahalibrary.org or DM on social media!