Press Release
In honor of the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, Geauga County Public Library is inviting readers to celebrate the nation’s story—one state at a time.
Beginning in January 2026, Geauga County Public Library will launch a new yearlong reading challenge, Read Across America, that encourages readers of all ages and interests to explore novels, stories, and poems set across the United States. From Maine to Hawaii and everywhere in between, participants will “travel” the country by reading books connected to each of the 55 states and territories.
To get started, patrons are encouraged to visit their local Geauga County Public Library branch and pick-up a Read Across America travel map. The travel map will be used to track participants’ progress and invites participants to establish their own reading goals and pace via five loose challenges, those being:
One Book Trips — Read one title from each designated region
Regional Reader — Read one title from each state within a designated region
Road Trip Reader — Read titles from 25 different states or territories
Celebrate the States — Read a title from each of the 50 states
Expert Traveler — Read a title from all 55 states and territories
The goal is simple and fun: discover how the voices, places, and stories of every state have helped shape the American experience since the nation’s founding in 1776. Whether participants are casual readers or adventurous bookworms, the challenge offers a unique way to engage with history, culture, and storytelling while celebrating this historic milestone.
Interested participants can either select books of their own choosing or browse Geauga County Public Library’s curated selection on geaugalibrary.net/read-across-america, filled with hundreds of titles for children, teens, and adults alike. Whether you are in the mood to read a beloved classic like Toni Morrison’s The Bluest Eye, a graphic novel like Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic by Alison Bechdel, or contemporary true crime like Elizabeth Little’s Pretty as a Picture, Geauga County Public Library’s staff recommendations are sure to have something for every reader, regardless of their age, reading level, or interest.
By completing the challenge, readers will uncover 50+ stories reflecting the 55 unique states and territories that form the United States of America, gaining a deeper appreciation for how each state contributes a chapter to the larger American story.
For more information about the challenge, including access to a digital Read Across America travel map, contact your local branch or visit geaugalibrary.net/read-across-america.