*♥* Marla's Challenge Logs and Reads *♥* discussion

One Book = One Library Card
In 2025, we will go on a tour of the most famous libraries in the world. They might be ancient or modern, but they were and are spectacular!

2025 Jan ~ The Library of Alexandria
2025 Feb ~ The Library of Congress
2025 Mar ~ Bodleian, Oxford University's library
2025 Apr ~ Vatican Library

You only need to read one book for one task to receive a library card to the library of the month. You are welcome to read for as many tasks as you'd like though.

Duration: One Month

Rules:
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.

January 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ The Library of Alexandria
Duration: 1/1/25 - 1/31/25
Progress: 10 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The Library of Alexandria was the ancient world's largest and most comprehensive library, housing books and manuscripts (on papyrus scrolls) as well as meeting rooms, gardens, and lecture halls on its grounds.

Considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the original Library of Alexandria was tragically destroyed in a fire nearly 2,000 years ago.

The new Library of Alexandria is a memorial to its predecessor. The Library cost $220 million to rebuild in 2002, and is now operating as not only a library, but also as a cultural center, planetarium, manuscript restoration lab, art gallery and exhibition space, museum, and conference center. Currently, the library contains more than 500,000 books, though it has space for over eight million.

Tasks:
📚 1. Read a book with "Historical" or "Historical Fiction" as an MPG
The Leopard Prince by Elizabeth Hoyt (1/1/25) ~ MPG Historical Fiction

📚 2. Read a book with "lecture" in the text of the book
City of the Lost by Kelley Armstrong (1/22/25) ~ lectured on the rules of Rockton during orientation

📚 3. Read a book where there is a fire
Vampires Rule by K.C. Blake (1/31/25) ~ Cowboy starts fire

📚 4. Read a book written by an author that is new to you
A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall (1/11/25)

📚 5. Read a book that you purchased
The Hearing Test by Eliza Barry Callahan (1/14/25) ~ I had to buy this book because it wasn't available in the library and I needed to read it for my real-life book club

📚 6. Read a book with a 2 and 0 in the publication date
Broken by Rebecca Zanetti (1/24/24) ~ publ in 2020

📚 7. Read a book with a night sky on the cover
by Mary Stone (1/15/25)

📚 8. Read a book where the MC goes to a museum
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep (1/8/25)

📚 9. Read a book in a series where you know there will be more written
Play of Passion by Nalini Singh (1/30/25) ~ Psy-Changeling #9

📚 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library
Drown Her Sorrows by Melinda Leigh (1/20/25) ~ I borrow most of my books

February 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ The Library of Congress
Duration: 2/1/25 - 2/28/25
Progress: 7 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The Library of Congress in Washington DC is essentially both the national library of the U.S. and the country's oldest federal cultural institution. Though it consists of only three buildings, it is the largest library in the world for shelf space and number of volumes.

While open to the public for on-site research and as a tourist attraction, as the research institution of Congress, only members of Congress, Supreme Court justices, and other specified government officials can check out books. The library is formally known as the "library of last resort" in the U.S., charged with making certain items available to other national libraries if all other means have been exhausted.

The library's holdings are vast, including more than 32 million books, more than 61 million manuscripts, a rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, one of only four perfect vellum copies of the Gutenberg Bible in the world, over one million newspapers from the last three centuries, over five million maps, six million pieces of sheet music, and more than 14 million photos and prints.

Tasks:
1. Read a book that is historical and set in the United States

📕 2. Read a book that is part of a trilogy
Whisper of Evil by Kay Hooper (2/14/25) ~ Evil #2 of 3

3. Read a book that is in the public domain

📕 4. Read a book where the MC sees a tourist attraction
A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles (2/23/25) ~ Red Square

📕 5. Read a book where the MC does research (your definition)
Married with Zombies by Jesse Petersen (2/9/25) ~ research on divorce lawyers

📕 6. Read a book with "resort" in the text of the book
Sky Hunter by Chris Reher (2/5/25)
p. 58 "It'd be a last resort."

📕 7. Read a book with 3 and 2 in the page count
Blind Descent by Nevada Barr (2/24/25) ~ 372 pages

📕 8. Read a book with a title that begins with a letter found in GUTENBERG BIBLE
The Crimson Crown by Cinda Williams Chima (2/27/25)

9. Read a book with a drawing, picture, or graph in the book

📕 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library
At the Stroke of Madness by Alex Kava (2/28/25)

March 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ Bodleian, Oxford University's library
Duration: 3/1/25 - 3/31/25
Progress: 6 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



Established in 1602 as Oxford University's library, Bodleian is one of the oldest libraries in Europe. The library houses more than 11 million items, including many of historical importance: four copies of the Magna Carta, a Gutenberg Bible, and Shakespeare's First Folio (from 1623), just to name a few.

Though Bodleian comprises multiple buildings, perhaps the most visually interesting is Radcliffe Camera, built in 1737-1749 to house the Radcliffe Science Library. The earliest circular library in England, Radcliffe has outlasted its 15 minutes of fame by appearing in multiple films, including Young Sherlock Holmes, The Saint, The Red Violin, and The Golden Compass.

Tasks:
📘 1. Read a book that is set at a school
Kiss of Frost by Jennifer Estep (3/13/25)

2. Read a book that is set in England
3. Read a book written by an author whose initials are found in BODLEIAN
4. Read a book where the MC goes to the theater or a movie

📘 5. Read a book where the MC uses a camera
Private Berlin by James Patterson & Mark Sullivan (3/18/25)

📘 6. Read a book that is tagged "Science" or "Science Fiction"
Archenemies by Marissa Meyer (3/17/25)

📘 7. Read a book with something circular on the cover
by C.J. Archer (3/30/25)

8. Read a book that you think is famous

📘 9. Read a book that you think should be made into a movie
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by Lisa See (3/15/25)

📘 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library
Bitter Falls by Rachel Caine (3/3/25)

April 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ Vatican Library
Duration: 4/1/25 - 4/30/25
Progress: 7 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The Vatican Library, under the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the Catholic Church in Rome, is one of the oldest libraries in the world. Though it was formally established in 1475, its existence in early forms dates back to the origins of the Catholic Church.

For nearly 600 years, the library has added to its collection through historic acquisitions, generous bequests, and gracious gifts.

The Vatican Library currently holds more than 1.1 million books, 75,000 manuscripts, and over 8,500 incunabula. Fittingly, the library owns the oldest complete manuscript of the Bible, as well as many other significant works from medieval times.

Tasks:
✠ 1. Read a book with a title that begins with "The"
The Naturalist by Andrew Mayne (4/6/25)
✠ 2. Read a book with a religious character in it
Iron and Magic by Ilona Andrews (4/21/25) ~ goddess
3. Read a book set in Italy
✠ 4. Read a book with two of the numbers of 1475 in the page count
Dexter Is Delicious by Jeff Lindsay (4/16/25) ~ 351 pages
✠ 5. Read a book where the MC is considered generous
The Wanderer by Robyn Carr (4/28/25)
✠ 6. Read a book by an author who has written a lot of books
Judgment in Death by J.D. Robb (4/24/25)
7. Read a book where the MC writes with a pen or pencil
✠ 8. Read a book where the MC acts as you'd expect (nothing out of character)
Storm Cursed by Patricia Briggs (4/12/25)
9. Read a book set during the medieval time period
✠ 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library

May 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ Library of Parliament in Ottawa, Canada
Duration: 5/1/25 - 5/31/25
Progress: 8 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The Library of Parliament in Ottawa, Canada holds a special distinction, as it is the only library of such prominence that its likeness is printed on the country's currency (it is featured on Canada's ten dollar bill).

The design of this national landmark was inspired by the British Museum Reading Room, and includes walls supported by 16 flying buttresses, a vaulted ceiling in the main reading room, and white pine paneling with beautifully detailed carvings of flowers, masks, and mythical creatures.

The collection encompasses more than 600,000 items, which is curated by a dedicated 300-member staff. While access to the facility is generally restricted to Canadian parliamentary business, tours are often made available to the public.


Tasks:
1. Read a book set in a place that begins with an O or C
🍁 2. Read a book where a type of currency is mentioned
No Good Duke Goes Unpunished by Sarah MacLean (5/29/25)
🍁 3. Read a book with "inspire" or "inspired" in the text
Becoming Women of the Word: How to Answer God's Call with Purpose and Joy by Sarah Christmyer (5/9/25)
🍁 4. Read a book with the numbers 1 and 6 in the publication date
Still Lives by Maria Hummel (5/5/25) ~ published 6/5/18
5. Read a book with a pine tree on the cover
🍁 6. Read a book with flowers on the cover
by Nikki Erlick (5/25/25)
🍁 7. Read a book where the MC wears a mask (it could be metaphorical)
Eat Prey Love by Kerrelyn Sparks (5/26/25) ~ Carlos hides his true nature
🍁 8. Read a book with a mythical creature in it
Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire (5/19/25) ~ mermaid
🍁 9. Read a book with over 300 pages
The Fix by David Baldacci (5/13/25) ~ 434 pages
🍁 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library
Ruby Fever by Ilona Andrews (5/8/25)

June 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ Danish Royal Library
Duration: 6/1/25 - 6/30/25
Progress: 8 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The Danish Royal Library is the national library of Denmark, founded in 1648 by King Frederik III. The library holds all works printed in Denmark since the 17th century and nearly every Danish book ever written, dating back to the first Danish book printed in 1482.

The Danish Royal Library is the largest library among the Nordic countries. Many significant works, including the correspondence of Hans Christian Anderson and historical maps of the Polar Region, are held here.

Holdings also include the Arnamagnæan Manuscript Collection, named for Icelandic scholar Arnas Magnæan, who dedicated much of his life collecting manuscripts from Iceland, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden until his death in 1730.


Tasks:
👑 1. Read a book with a member of royalty in the story
A Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher (6/15/25) ~ queen
👑 2. Read a book with two of the numbers of 1648 in the page count
Consider Jesus: Waves of Renewal in Christology by Elizabeth A. Johnson (6/1/25) ~ 160 pages
👑 3. Read a book from a series that has at least 17 books in it
Winter's Rise by Mary Stone (6/11/25) ~ #4 of 27
4. Read a book with a Nordic character in it
👑 5. Read a book by an author who uses three names (Hans Christian Andersen)
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (6/21/25)
6. Read a book with snow on the cover
👑 7. Read a book with an MC who you consider to be a scholar in a subject
Access Denied by Donna Andrews (6/6/25) ~ Turing is a researcher & a true scholar
👑 8. Read a book with "collection" in the text
Welcome to Whitlock by A.A. Dark (6/2/25)
p. 262 "...a collection of emotions sweeping over his nearly perfect features."
👑 9. Read a book where there is a death during the story
Obsidian Butterfly by Laurell K. Hamilton (6/7/25)
👑 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library
Dragon Bound by Thea Harrison (6/15/25)

July 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ José Vasconcelos Library in Mexico City
Duration: 7/1/25 - 7/31/25
Progress: 7 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The José Vasconcelos Library, located in Mexico City, was called one of the most advanced constructions of the 21st century by former Mexican president Vicente Fox.

The library cost nearly $100 million to build, and was the largest infrastructure investment for the Fox administration, with construction plans spanning 2000-2006.

The library faced some stumbling blocks during its construction that eventually led to the library being closed for 22 months from 2007 until 2008; it has since been restored and was re-opened to the public. The open, scaffold-like shelving of the library is especially unique, as are the sculptures on site, including one by artist Gabriel Orozco made from a painted whale skeleton.

Tasks:
☠️ 1. Read a book with a proper name in the title
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin (7/23/25)
☠️ 2. Read a book with "Advanced" in the text
Chpt 4 "...developed and deployed some of the most advanced encryption on the planet."
3. Read a book published in the 21st century
4. Read a book from the One Million Ratings! list
☠️ 5. Read a book NOT published in 2007 or 2008
Broken Genius by Drew Murray (7/3/25) ~ published in 2020
☠️ 6. Read a book where the MC experiences a stumbling block (your definition)
The Detective Duke by Scarlett Scott (7/1/25) ~ left Scotland Yard & becoming a duke
7. Read a book that has been republished after being rewritten or with a new title
☠️ 8. Read a book that you consider unique
Pines by Blake Crouch (7/2/25)
☠️ 9. Read a book with a title that begins with a letter in SKELETON
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree (7/8/25)
☠️ 10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library
The Trapped Girl by Robert Dugoni (7/27/25)

August 2025 One Book = One Library Card ~ Rijksmuseum Library in Amsterdam
Duration: 8/1/25 - 8/31/25
Progress: 0 of 1

Read at least one book.
Books must be at least 140 pages.
Audio books must be at least 3 hours long.



The Rijksmuseum Library is part of the Dutch National Museum in Amsterdam. One of the world's foremost libraries specializing in art and art history, the Rijksmuseum holds over 350,000 auction, exhibition, trade, and collection catalogues, in addition to numerous books and periodicals.

Though the items on site have been collected since 1885, the library now also features an extensive online catalog with over 140,000 monographs, 20,000 art sale catalogs, and 3,200 magazines on display.

The library is open to the public; while books and magazines are not available for check-out, they can be viewed in the reading room.

Tasks: 🌷
1. Read a book with a compound word in the title or series name
2. Read a book where the MC is an artist of some kind
3. Read a book that is tagged "Historical" or "Historical Fiction"
4. Read a book with over 350,000 ratings
5. Read a book where one of the author's initials is found in CATALOGUES
6. Read a magazine (no link is expected, just a name is fine)
7. Read a non-fiction book
8. Read a book with "Public" found in the text
9. Read a book with a nice view on the cover (your definition)
10. Read a book that you borrowed from a library