2026 Battle of the Books Competition
The Ruth Enlow Library, in partnership with Garrett County Public Schools, the Allegany County Library System, Allegany County Public Schools, and Bishop Walsh School, is excited to announce the return of the Battle of the Books, a spirited reading competition open to all students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades - including homeschoolers!
This annual program challenges students to form teams, read from a list of pre-selected books*, and answer questions in a quiz-style competition that celebrates reading, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
Registration is available from October 7, 2025 through January 6, 2026. The team coach should submit one registration form for the team. Register by scanning the QR code, calling your local library, or contacting your school librarian.
*Book lists for each grade are available in the Resource File section at the bottom of this page. Simply click on the Battle of the Books List 2025-26 PDF to download and print!
Teams are made up of 2–5 students and a coach, and individual students are encouraged to reach out if they don’t yet have a team.
Key Dates:
- Registration Opens: October 7, 2025
- In-Person Info Sessions for Students & Parents:
- October 22, 2025; November 19, 2025; December 17, 2025 | 3:00-4:00 pm | The Main Library (Oakland)
- October 22, 2025; November 19, 2025; December 17, 2025 | 5:00-6:00 pm | The Accident Library
- Virtual Info Session for Students & Parents: November 18, 2025 | 4:30 pm
- Virtual Info Session for Coaches: November 19, 2025 | 4:30 p.m.
- Registration Deadline: January 6, 2026
- Battle of the Books Competition: March 25th at the Frostburg State University Children's Literature Centre (Education Health Sciences Center 219A, 101 Braddock Road, Frostburg, MD 21532)
Remember, you can find the Battle of the Books flyer, brochure, and reading list below - everything you need to get started!