2026 Battle of the Books Competition

The Allegany County Library System, in partnership with Allegany County Public Schools, Bishop Walsh School, Ruth Enlow Library of Garrett County, and Garrett County Public Schools, 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.

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.

Key Dates:

• Registration Opens: October 7, 2025
• In-Person Info Sessions for Students & Parents: October 22, November 19, and December 17, 2025, from 3–4 p.m. at the South Cumberland Library
• Virtual Info Session for Students & Parents: November 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. TBD
• Virtual Info Session for Coaches: November 19, 2025, at 4:30 p.m.
• Registration Deadline: January 6, 2026
• Team Training Sessions: Weekly on Wednesdays, January – March, from 3–5 p.m. at the South Cumberland Library
• Battle of the Books Competition: TBD in March 2026

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.