Turn a new page on reading goals with librarian recommendations

Many Americans set the goal to read more in the New Year. Head to your local library to meet the librarians and even get some recommendations for reading in 2026. 

For many people, the new year is a time to set goals and make resolutions. 

Librarians at the Elizabeth Taber Library in Marion, Plumb Library in Rochester and Mattapoisett Public Library gave their recommendations for anyone with “read more” on their 2026 list. 

Jenny Martin, director of the Mattapoisett Public Library, said she is currently reading “Possession” by A.S. Byatt after seeing it listed as one of the best literary romances of all time. 

She said she thinks people should only read books they find engrossing, instead of pushing through something they don’t enjoy.

“If a book and its voice doesn't grab you by page 25, abandon it and reach for another,” Martin said. “There are too many magnificent books in the world — don't waste time on ones you're not wholly enjoying.”

Martin added the library offers more than just books. She said there are many other items available for check out, and the library is a space for the community to gather.

Kristen, a librarian from the Plumb Library said she enjoyed graphic novels and memoirs in 2025. 

She is currently reading “Menu of Happiness,” the third graphic novel in the Kamogawa Food Detective series. 

Amanda Lawrence, adult services librarian at the Mattapoisett Public Library, said she recommends audiobooks for people who want to read more. She said they are easy to listen to during other activities, such as driving , doing laundry or walking, unlike traditional reading. 

Lawrence said her favorite reads in 2025 were “The Buffalo Hunter Hunter” by Stephen Graham Jones and “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. “Beta Vulgaris: A Novel” by Margie Sarsfield and “Venetian Vespers” by John Banville topped her anticipated reads for 2026. 

“Canticle” by Janet Rich Edwards and “Katabasis” by R.F. Kuang were also on several librarians’ reading lists for the new year. 

Other librarians, like Kevin Thompson, are looking forward to rereading old favorites in 2026.

“I don't have a plan for what to read next year,” Thompson said. “I typically just look at my list and pick whatever strikes me as the best choice in the moment. I usually read “The Hobbit” once every year, so probably that.”

Thompson and Solaris said they are setting numerical goals for 2026.

Thompson said he hopes to read 20,000 pages . In 2025, he aimed to read 50 books, surpassing his goal by reading 55 books and 18,471 pages. 

Solaris said she hopes to expand her literary comfort zone. While she tends to read mostly fantasy books, she wants to read more historical fiction and historical nonfiction. 

“I took a chance on a couple of books in these genres in 2025 despite being a very engaged fantasy reader and ended up really enjoying them, so I aim to expand my reading scope next year,” she said. 

Her main goal is to read 25 novels every 2 months, adding up to 150 books. 

Thompson said anyone can fall in love with reading if given the choice of what to read. He said he wants people to explore their interests and tastes instead of relying on recommendations. 

“Read what you like,” Thompson said. “Don't let anyone tell you ‘You have to read this’ and especially not ‘Don't read that.’”