There’s a phrase from Lemony Snicket’s A Series Of Unfortunate Events that all book lovers are sure to identify with.

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

It is a quote that simultaneously celebrates curiosity and warns against indifference. It may as well be the trademarked slogan for Jackson County Library Services’ Unofficial Battle of the Books (or UBOB) which just kicked off its 2026-27 season.

The program is a homegrown alternative to the Oregon Battle of the Books (or OBOB) that puts forth the challenge of participants reading five or more books found on one of three official OBOB reading lists: All Ages, Middle Grade and YA. Those who do so snag an exclusive pin. OBOB participants form teams and participate in question-based competitions. UBOB removes barriers and repackages the OBOB idea for those who don’t have a team or don’t want to be on one.

The program is a boon for educators, too. If, for example, a class is doing a read aloud, they could easily snag one of the listed books and put it toward that five-book quota. Easy-peasy.

Founded in 2023, the idea for the program started with Jackson County Library Services’ Education Services Department and was developed with help from the library system’s Marketing and Collection Development departments.

“Sometimes ideas are like books you can’t put down,” says Plrty, UBOB spokesperson. “You promise just one more chapter, but who are you kidding? It’s full speed ahead.”

Significant program growth

And, like a page turner, momentum continues to build.

The program saw 61 participants complete the challenge in the 2023-24 season, a number that’s surged to 142 completions in the 2025-26 season. The program’s growth is also reflected in the number of “Battle Masters,” or participants who read every book off one of the three lists. The 2023-24 season saw five, followed by 18 in 2024-25, and 32 in 2025-26, according to UBOB data.

“We knew we had something special, but we didn’t think it had – what would you even call it – lightning quality, I guess,” Plrty says. “But in retrospect, I don’t know how we couldn’t know. It’s a safe space for independent readers of all ages to develop their confidence, deepen empathy and broaden their reading horizons. Then there’s the pin. It’s a win-pin situation.”

Looking ahead

The march continues, UBOB officials say.

The 2026-27 season will see another barrier removed. The All Ages, Middle Grade, and YA lists will be combined into one massive list that participants can choose any five books from in lieu of having to stick to the All Ages, Middle Grade, or YA lists.

“Libraries talk a lot about the ‘freedom to read,’ and this is precisely in line with that mantra,” Plrty says. “Want to do an All-Ages title, a Middle Grade title, and three YA ones? That gets you a pin. Any combination. The reading world is your oyster. We’re really excited about this development.”

Additionally, every five books read will be tracked as a completion, which earns a participant an entry into a raffle for a Barnes & Noble gift card. Oh, and the pin. Can’t forget the rad pin.

“The beauty of this program is that it’s for anyone,” Plrty says. “Literally anyone. Any age, any reading ability, library staff, non-library staff, et cetera. If you’re an independent reader, we’d love to have you join us.”

Visit jcls.org/battle for more information.