11:00 AM-12:00 PM

The annual Winter Reading Challenge officially begins with “The Booker Challenge: First Chat & Kick-Off.” This community event celebrates two decades of outstanding literature honored by the Booker Prize. Readers of all ages are invited to join the launch, share their favorite Booker Prize titles, and explore new recommendations from past winners and shortlisted authors.

The Booker Prize is one of the most prestigious literary awards in the English-speaking world, presented annually to the best original novel written in English and published in the UK or Ireland. Established in 1969, the prize aims to celebrate outstanding fiction and highlight exceptional literary talent, often bringing international attention and readership to its winners.

This year’s Winter Reading Challenge focuses on Booker Prize and Booker-shortlisted works from the last 20 years, giving participants the chance to discover acclaimed titles from around the world. The kick-off chat will highlight contemporary classics and hidden gems—perfect inspiration for winter reading goals.

Attendees will share what they’ve read, what they’ve loved, and what they recommend from the Booker lists of the past two decades. New to the Booker Prize world? Come for inspiration and leave with a great reading list.

The winter book display at the library will also present a rich curated selection to help readers choose titles based on genre, theme, and reading preferences.

How to Participate:

The Winter Reading Challenge runs from January 12, 2026 to March 2, 2026. Participants can join by signing up at the library front desk and participate in all the library programs during this time. All readers—whether lifelong Booker fans or newcomers to the prize—are welcome.

The Gunn Memorial Library
5 Wykeham Rd
Washington, CT 06793

https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/the-booker-challenge-first-chat-kick-off/