Remember summer reading? Going to the library, picking out books, the cycle of returning them and picking out another pile. Starting another adventure or mystery. Staying up late reading; just one more chapter. Lazy rainy days, transported by a good book.
When was the last time you went to the library?
We’re fortunate here in Apex to have the Eva Perry Regional Library. From its earliest inception as a book mobile in 1942 to one of the busiest libraries in the state! Eva Perry Regional is more than just a library; it’s a community resource center hosting fun events such as crafts, story time, book discussions, and more.
But, who has time to go there? We’re all busy with work, texting, social media, video meetings (that could’ve been emails), and emails themselves! Not to mention must-see TV series.
There’s just no time, like there used to be, to read for fun anymore.
Some statistics back that up. According to a Washington Post article, there has been a decline in reading time among Americans from 23 minutes a day down to 17 minutes per day and Americans reading for pleasure has dropped from 28% to 19%. In addition, the American Psychological Association tells us that over 80% of teenagers don’t read for pleasure on a daily basis. That’s a lot of screen time.
But reading is so good for us, and here are a few reasons why:
People who read fiction may be more creative, have more empathy and possibly better emotional intelligence. Spending time in someone else’s experiences, even fictional characters or beings, may make us more open-minded.
Books may also teach us interesting things we wouldn’t normally run across in our daily lives.
Languages, dialects and new words, which when read stick with us longer than just when heard.
Building a better vocabulary may give frequent readers more confidence in their ability to express themselves both verbally and in writing, which may lead to more opportunities.
Reading may also teach us how to cope with difficult situations, discovering solutions through either fictional or non-fictional characters. Helping the reader to learn from the challenges of others and seeing how they were overcome can be quite motivating.
With older readers, it may help reduce mental decline by boosting and building more cognitive brain power. In younger people, it may develop more mature thinking, making them better students and decision makers.
There is nothing like a thick book and a good story to develop patience. You want to finish it, but you know you have to savor and understand every word; the result is patience.
Reading for pleasure isn’t an indulgent waste of time; it’s self-care.
Escaping in a book may reduce stress and getting lost in the story may help alleviate depression, if only temporarily.
Taking the time to sit and read can bring us equanimity. Reading, any book, may relax the mind and change one’s attitude. For example, a spiritual book may lower blood pressure, while a self-help book may provide the answers you’re looking for. A historical novel or account may transport you through time to another place. And science fiction can take you out of this world!
Has it been a while? Not sure where to start?
Grab your kid’s reading list to see if there’s anything that interests you, pick up an old favorite, or finish one you started way back when. Talk to a neighbor or friend about starting a book swap or club.
Better yet, go to the library and ask a librarian for help picking out a stack of books!
