Battle of the Books

Battle of the Books – Summer 2026

What is it?

Battle of the Books is a trivia bowl style competition for teens entering 6th through 12th grade. Trivia questions are based on the preselected books that participants will read and discuss as a team throughout the summer. At the end of the summer the Newburgh Free Library’s Battle of the Books team will compete against teams from other libraries in the Ramapo Catskill Library System in a regional battle at SUNY Orange in Middletown.

The goal of the program is to promote a love of reading in teens, to expose them to titles and authors that they might not encounter otherwise, to encourage them to think of their local public library as a resource for entertainment, and to inspire teamwork and good sportsmanship in an atmosphere of friendly competition. The titles for the program are chosen in advanced by librarians throughout our system. The titles for the 2026 Battle are:

Battle of the Books Meetings:

To be determined.

How do I get the books?

The first 8 people to complete commitment forms will receive a copy of each book to keep. After that, participants can borrow all books from the library in print or e-book versions. Use the catalog to place a hold on the title(s) you’re looking for. If you need help, please call the library for assistance: 845-563-3600.

Frequently Asked Questions?

Q: Can I read the books without attending the battle?

A: Yes! You can read the books and attend our discussion meetings just to chat. However, we’d love for you to participate in the regional battle!

Q: Do I have to attend every single meeting?

A: No! We understand that you may have other commitments some weeks or you may be going on vacation this summer. As long as you keep up with reading, let your coach know when you’ll be missing a meeting, and can attend the regional battle at SUNY Orange Middletown in August, you’re good to go!