I know that with this material, I’m pretty likely to be talking to a group pf people who are readers and who already know the value of reading.

But it never hurts to be reminded how valuable reading is! Especially as we head into a long winter, where everyone needs to stay inside as much as possible, incorporating as much reading as possible is good.

If you do not already have devices set up to check out ebooks and audio books – get that done. If you are not already talking about this with your community members, now is the time to do it.

Because reading has a secret power. It’s not just great for information, great for ideas, great for learning about people – it’s also a great way to control stress!

We have a lot of social isolation time still ahead of us. Stress is tough, so getting ready with a variety of tools to deal with it – for ourselves and for our library patrons – is a good way to get ready.

Check out this article excerpt:

“As the COVID-19 pandemic carries on with no promised end in sight, paired with the incoming winter conditions in southern Alberta, individuals may be feeling negative mental impacts.

According to Dr. Robin Bright with the University of Lethbridge, outlets such as reading a novel could boost one’s emotional well-being.

“Reading for pleasure has tremendous benefits, and there’s a great deal of research to support that,” she explained. “It’s interesting to note that reading also helps to decrease stress levels and anxiety, and has been shown to increase a sense of empathy as well.”

Dr. Bright deals with family literacy, and says students in school who are reluctant to read can find ways to engage in literacy with the help of those around them.”

Read the entire article here.

Let’s read some books today!