At the Library 6/16/22

At the Library
by Laetitia Rhodes-Kaiser

I’m a reader – I could talk about books all day and never get tired of it. But it wasn’t always like this. I
believe that anyone at any age can develop excitement for reading. Or maybe you haven’t picked up a
book since your long-gone school days. Once you get out of reading, it can be difficult to get back into it.
Especially if there are so many other entertainment options available.
I compiled a list of 5 simple things you can start doing today to help you read more books.

1) Get a Library Card
I may be biased but if you have a soft spot for books, the library might provide the needed spark to get
you reading. There’s something special about walking into a place that’s filled with books. You may spot
that book you meant to read years ago or see an old favorite you always wanted to re-read. We don’t
judge you at the library. We are happy to set you up with a card anytime and send you on your merry
way with those beloved books.

2) Join a Book Club
Sometimes there are too many options which can put you off reading. Joining a book club not only takes
the weight off choosing a book, but it is also a great opportunity to make new friends. Our newest book
club at the library is the “Brand New Book Club” led by our lovely Tammy, which encourages you to read
any book from our “New” shelves.

3) Experiment with Different Formats
You may be surprised that there is more than one way to read a book. Libby is a free library reading app
that helps you connect your library card to our digital collection. You can borrow eBooks, audiobooks
and magazines. Another place to find free eBooks is Project Gutenberg, a website that allows you to
download all the great classics – no app needed!

4) Track Your Reading
These days there are so many ways to track the books you’ve read. There are several apps like
GoodReads and The Storygraph. I’ve seen simple notebooks, elaborate spreadsheets, and even pre-
made reading tracker journals. You can decide what the best option is for you.

5) Challenge Yourself
GoodReads and The Storygraph give you the option to set a reading goal for the year. The apps will let
you know if you’re on track or falling behind. If you don’t like using apps, you can write down your
reading goal in your journal or a piece of paper. You can even combine this with whatever you’re using
to keep track of the books you’ve read.

There are many more ways to reinvigorate your reading life but if you try even one of these 5 things,
you’re already off to a wonderful start. Like with any other hobby, it’s important to practice it every day
even if it is only for 10 or 15 minutes. Happy reading!