Whether you are a fan of New Year’s resolutions or not, we think you might agree that you would like to read more this year.  Has your reading habit gotten away from you? Do you have trouble finding the time to read, or are you too distracted by today’s world to concentrate?  Reading is an effective way to quiet and focus your mind, while being entertaining as well.  It also offers health benefits, such as keeping your mind sharp, lowering your heart rate, and even improving the quality of your sleep.  Here are a few reading-related suggestions that may help you spend more time with books this year. 

Start small

You don’t have to read a 500+ page book for it to count (although we do have some good ones).  Perhaps a book of short stories, essays, or poetry? We would be happy to help you find something to start with!   Witness: Stories  by Jamel Brinkley, Games and Rituals: Stories by Katherine Heiny, or Above Ground: Poems by Clint Smith are a few titles from this years’ “Best Lists.” 

Keep track of your reading

Do you log the books you read?  Create a spreadsheet, choose an app, or keep track in a personal reading journal.  Track the title, author, genre, your rating, favorite quotes, or whatever you want to remember.  By keeping track of what you have read and how well you liked it, you’ll be able to figure out what types of books you enjoy most, to help with future choices.

Try different formats

Do you insist on reading a “real book” that you can hold in your hands?  Consider trying something new, like listening to an audiobook while you are folding laundry, washing dishes, or walking the dog.  Having an eBook loaded on your phone comes in handy when you find yourself waiting unexpectedly at a medical appointment or in line at the store.  You can access audiobooks and eBooks for free with your library card using both Libby/Overdrive and hoopla.  Expand your reading time by branching out with different formats.  And yes, listening to an audiobook counts as reading!

Make reading a family thing

You probably already know that reading to infants and toddlers gives them a tremendous head-start on language learning, social skills, and more.  Reading regularly to your child also helps to create a stronger bond, decreases screen time (for both of you), and increases creativity.  This is true for children of all ages.  A bedtime story is a wonderful thing, but family reading need not be limited to this hour.  Create family activities that foster reading; regular family trips to the library, family reading night (aloud or quiet reading time), build a book fort, or find a lit podcast that the whole family can enjoy on your next road trip.

Join a book club

Hanging out with like-minded people (other people who like books!) at a book club may help you read more as well.  Book clubs can help you read beyond your regular genre and find new titles you may have not chosen otherwise.  A monthly book club will make you more accountable for finishing at least one book a month, and if your club offers good discussion, you may find yourself reading more thoughtfully.  Book clubs promote social interaction.  Even if you consider yourself an introvert, you will probably feel comfortable talking about books.  Most book clubs feature some sort of refreshments or drinks, so that is a bonus as well.  The library offers two book clubs: The Book Lover’s Club and the hoopla Book Club.  There are others held within the community, or start your own!  We welcome you to use a library meeting room for your club, or have your meeting at Dewey’s Café. 

DNF* a book that is not working for you

Life is too short to read “bad” books.  If you are stuck in the middle of a book that you don’t want to finish, jump ship (*Do Not Finish).  By giving yourself permission to “quit,” you’ll make time for books that you will likely enjoy much more.  And that may be one of the best ways to read more books this year!