As 2009 looms out ahead of us it's time to start thinking about what you want to accomplish by this time next year. Readers are starting with a clean slate and many of us like to set reading goals. Sometimes the lack of goals and challenges is also a goal which is what I'm aiming for but for those of you looking to spice up your reading with goals here's a big list of year long challenges to get you started. I believe there is something here for every reader but if not feel free to set up your own challenge!

Ragdoll's Around the World in 52 Books is great for armchair travellers!

The 2009 Science Book Challenge: read three science books in 2009.

The What's in a Name 2 Reading Challenge: read 6 books with specific guidelines (outlined fully in the link provided), such as "A book with a "profession" in its title."

The Second Canadian Book Challenge, Eh? actually started in July but if you tried you could still red 13 Canadian books (by Canadians and/or about Canadians) before the end of June.

I must confess, I'm tempted by the 2009 Support Your Local Library Challenge. Read books from your local library - 12, 25, or 50. You could make it a family affair and do a weekly library visit! (I love libraries, I can't help myself...).

Here's a good one for people who aren't normally book bloggers - the Read 'n Review 2009 Challenge. Review each book you read between January 1 and December 31.

Fun for those that like categories (I am also tempted by this one...) - the 9 for 2009 Reading Challenge. The books are broken down into categories like "long," "free," and "dusty". Boy do I ever have a lot of "dusty" books... Tempted but nine books aren't enough of a challenge for you?Ok, here's a 20 in 2009 Challenge. Just be sure to check out the rules. Or maybe you want to do the 2009 Pub Challenge where you read nine books that are being published in 2009.

The World Citizen Challenge - become a better world citizen by reading books in the following categories: politics, economics, history, culture or anthropology/sociology, worldwide issues, and memoirs/autobiographies. Check out the blog for the full set of rules.

The 2009 Diversity Rocks Challenge - ensure racial and ethnic diversity in the authors that that you read.

Dewey started this challenge and bloggers are keeping it going in 2009 - the Martel-Harper Challenge.

Any Outlander fans? Here's one for you - the 2009 Outlander Reading Challenge. Read or listen to (because audio books are a great format for these books) each of the six Outlander books in publication order prior to the release of An Echo in the Bone.

Here's one I probably should join...you know, if I were actually joining challenges. I'm sure some of you could also benefit from the TBR (to be read) 2009 Challenge. Surely you have 12 unread books sitting around the house don't you? No? (Really???) Well then how about six? If so then you can join up for the TBR Lite Challenge.

Graphic novels anyone? The Graphic Novels 2009 Challenge has different levels of participation. Trust me, you can read at least six graphic novels this year. Or maybe you want to expand a bit and check out the Magna Reading Challenge.

This is only a half year challenge but I'm including it anyway because you will love it - the Childhood Favourites Reading Challenge. Who doesn't want to reread at least five of their childhood favourites between now and June? Especially good if you have children and you could do it together!

Looking to spice things up? Then the 2009 Erotica Reading Challenge is just the thing for you.

If I had a ebook reader I'd be all over the 2009 Ebook Reading Challenge.

When's the last time you read an essay? Looking to remedy that? Head over and sign up for the 2009 Essay Reading Challenge and pledge to read at least ten essays in 2009.

If you have some love for the Victorians why don't you join the 2009 Victorian Reading Challenge?

Feeling lucky punk? Want to live on the literary edge? Then the Year of Reading Dangerously Challenge is right up your alley.

Looking to add some fun to your reading? How about the 2009 Chick-Lit Challenge?

Here's one of the non-fiction fans - the Dewey Decimal Challenge.

You know how you've read authors you really like and you keep meaning to read more of their books and then never seem to get around to it? You need to join the 2009 2nds Challenge.

Go regional with the Caribbean Reading Challenge, or the German Reading Challenge.

How much do you like your name? If it's a lot then maybe you check out the Reading Your Name Challenge.

Reading about the Suspense and Thriller Reading Challenge was an educational experience. I had no idea there were so manysub-genres of thrillers.

I'm tempted by the YA Book Challenge simply because I know I would finish it. Easily. But would be almost cheating because it would be too easy for me. It's a great challenge for those readers that haven't read a young adult book since they were one. (If you are having trouble with titles just come talk to me, I'll set you on a great path.)

This is a fantastic challenge for commuters - the 2009 Audio Book Challenge. You can listen to one book a month while commuting. Or while working out at the gym. Or while walking the dog.Erm, I think you get my point.

Like art? Then you need to sign up for the Art History Reading Challenge.

Here's one for the romance readers - the Harlequin Silhouette Romance Reading Challenge. This one isn't simply just about reading romance novels. You'll have to read one with a holiday theme, one by a new-to-you author and few other qualifications. If you want more flexibility (and an excuse to read Twilight) try the Romance Reading Challenge.

This one adds a new definition to "reading through the age" - the Centuries Reading Challenge. Read one book from four different centuries. Or limit it to decades and read books from nine consecutive decades for the 2009 Decades Challenge.

Ok, this is one that I really should join. The Read Your Own Books Challenge is definitely for people like me who have oodles of unread books around the house.

No, this is one has nothing to do with Bill Murray but that doesn't mean you shouldn't sign up for the Lost in Translation Challenge and read six translated books in 2009.

Are you a power reader? Then you need to sign up for the 100 Plus Reading Challenge. Yes, you *can* read more than one hundred books in a year. Really!

Get reacquainted with the Bard and try out the Shakespeare 2009 Challenge.

Did I miss your year-long challenge? Add a link to it in the comments.

Contributing Editor Sassymonkey also blogs at Sassymonkey and Sassymonkey Reads.