Finding More Time to Read

Now that the kids are back in school you should find that you have some new-found time for yourself. If you’re lucky, you will discover that you have gained one hour, or more, of daily YOU time. What a great opportunity to tap into your personal goals and implement some new behaviors that will improve the quality of your life.  It’s the perfect time to begin exploring your interests and unique talents. It’s the perfect time of year to explore the wonderful world of books at our library.

Making time for reading feeds your imagination, your intellect and your soul. Whether you enjoy the intrigue of great mystery novels, romance sagas, or enjoy the stories of a favorite fiction author, you can count on your library to provide the best, and latest in fiction. Perhaps you’re the do-it-yourself type who prides herself on self-learning. Whether your interests pertain to home improvement and decorating, crafts, or want to teach yourself the latest, got-to-have-it software program, your library is a virtual haven for learning. Do your passions include fields such as spirituality, music, self-help, biographies, religion or business? The good news is that you will find your motivation and inspiration amid the shelves of your library.

To summarize, one of the kindest rewards you can give yourself is the gift of more time to read. It’s easier than you may initially think. Here are some ideas to get you started. In time, you may develop some creative ideas of your own. As you do, feel free to drop your own unique ideas in the Friends Suggestion box located by the Friends Book Cart in the library lobby.

1.   If you tend to read more than one book at a time stash them in different locations of the house so that, when you find a spare ten to twenty minutes, you’ll have one in close proximity.

2.   Likewise, be sure to grab a book to place in your briefcase, backpack or purse whenever you leave the house. You never know when you’ll be confronted with an unexpected delay, for instance, in the waiting room at the doctor’s office or when your lunch date is running 10 minutes late.

3.   Stash a book in the car for easy access in the event of unanticipated delays.

4.   Optimize your daily commute time with books on tape/cd. According to the U.S. Federal Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the average American spends over 100 hours commuting to and from work. Whether traveling by car or public transportation, an audio book is the single most important strategy you can employ to increase your reading consumption. Our library has an impressive array of books on cd and cassette tapes located on the second level. Visit it often!

5.   Commit to devoting 30 minutes at night to reading a chapter or two of your favorite book. Reading has such a calming effect and promotes tranquility and relaxation for your body and soul. As an added benefit, you may find that you fall asleep faster and experience a more solid night’s sleep.  

6.   Trade an hour of TV time for an hour of reading instead. You may gain a new appreciation for quiet time. Consider the positive impact this one act can have on your children. Encourage your children to grab their favorite book and join you on the couch for a good read.

7.   Read during lunch. If you normally eat lunch at your desk, use that time to read.

8.   Learn how to speed read! It’s easier than you think. Sign-up for a class or continue reading for some helpful tips on beginning speed reading.