Reset Your Reading Goals: How to Build a Sustainable Reading Habit in 2026

By Laura Eckert, Digital Specialist

We've all been there. It's January 1st, you're feeling motivated, and you boldly declare: "This is the year I read 100 books!" Fast forward to March, and that stack of unread books is giving you the side-eye while you doomscroll social media.

Sound familiar? You're not alone. At Clermont County Public Library, we see this cycle every year, and we're here to help you break it – not by reading less, but by reading smarter. Get ready to reset your reading goals.

Ditch the Numbers Game & Reset Your Reading Goals

Here's the thing about those ambitious reading goals: they often focus on quantity over quality. Instead of setting yourself up for failure with "I'll read 50 books this year," try reframing your goals around building a sustainable habit.

Instead of: "I'll read one book per week."

Try: "I'll read for 20 minutes every day."

This small shift changes everything. You're no longer racing through books to hit a number – you're creating a daily practice that will naturally lead to more reading over time.

Consistency

If you haven't picked up a book in months, don't start with War and Peace.

Begin with just 10 minutes a day, or even five! The key is consistency, not heroics.

Pick a time and try to stick with it – pick up a book when you wake up instead of your phone and read for five minutes. Or read 10 minutes during lunch. Five minutes of daily reading equals 35 minutes a week, 1,820 minutes a year. That’s over 30 hours of reading!

Mix It Up (Your Library Has Options!)

Who says reading has to mean physical books? Your library card opens doors to a world of formats that can fit any lifestyle:

Audiobooks are the perfect choice when you’re commuting, exercising, gardening,  or doing chores. Also, a great way to get in 10 or 15 minutes of reading before you fall asleep if you use the timer in the Libby app.

eBooks so you can carry multiple books on one lightweight device. Perfect if you’re a mood reader and need a book to match the vibes. Plus, ereaders make it easy to adjust font size. Use the hoopla Digital, Libby, or Freading apps.

Graphic novels combine visual storytelling with great narratives.

Magazines for lighter reading that still counts toward your habit. Get physical magazines at a branch or read a digital copy with hoopla Digital or Libby.

Large print books if regular text strains your eyes.

The best reading habit is the one you'll stick with, so experiment with different formats until you find what works.

Create Your Reading Habit

Make reading irresistible by pairing it with something you already love. Maybe it's coffee and a few pages before work, or reading in the bath on Sunday evenings. The more you can tie reading to existing routines, the more automatic it becomes.

Other habits to try:

• Reading during lunch breaks at work

• Keeping a book in the car for early appointments

• Setting a "no phones after 9 PM" rule and reading instead

• Joining our monthly book clubs for built-in accountability

• Join our seasonal book challenges and earn prizes for reading

Don't Fear the DNF (Did Not Finish)

Here's permission you might not have given yourself: it's okay to quit books you don't enjoy. Life's too short for books that aren't connecting and engaging you. We have thousands of alternatives waiting for you.

Need help finding a book? Ask us! We love helping you find your next great read. It’s what we do!

Get monthly reading suggestions based on the types of books you enjoy when you sign up for Recommends.

Your Library Is Your Reading Wingman

Remember, you're not in this alone. We're here to support your reading journey with:

• Book displays organized by mood, season, and interest

• Staff recommendations from people who enjoy connecting readers to books

• Reading challenges for all ages (yes, adults too!)

• Book clubs to share the experience with others

• Recommends newsletter emailed with monthly book suggestions

The Bottom Line

Sustainable reading habits aren't built on guilt or competition – they're built on joy, curiosity, and finding what works for your life. Whether you end up reading five books or 50 this year, what matters is that reading becomes a source of pleasure and enrichment rather than stress.

So start small, be kind to yourself, and remember that every page counts. Your perfect reading life is probably simpler and more achievable than you think.