The Joys of E-Reading

I have a confession to make to you, my dear followers--I have only recently discovered the joys of e-reading. I'm admitting it. I know how that must sound coming from a librarian, especially one who uses all sorts of technology on a daily basis. I'm well familiar with the various databases for e-books and other e-reading our library offers, but I can't say that I myself have ever read a book entirely online until now. Blame it on the pandemic.

I grew up with books. I love the feel of them in my hands, the smell of their ink and paper, and the fact that they're unplugged. Since I spend most of my days on a computer screen, I didn't want to spend even more time on a screen simply to read a book. I was afraid of straining my eyes further and not having that same experience I get from reading a paper book.

When the stay-at-home order was issued and libraries, including my own, were closed down, like many other readers, I acutely felt the disconnect between myself and the print collection. I was in the mood for reading a certain title, but now I had no access to it...except for its digital version. So I hijacked my husband's tablet, installed the database app, and checked out the virtual book.

I'll be honest. It was strange at first to read the book on a tablet, tapping the screen to go to the next page or to bookmark my spot. After a while, however, I became more comfortable with this new reading experience. I was able to adjust the brightness of the screen according to the light in the room (it was actually great for reading in bed--no need for a reading light!). I was also able to adjust the size of the text (no need for large print books) and look up the definition of any word by tapping on it. Not to mention, I now had access to thousands of books at my fingertips!

Don't get me wrong, though. I'm not giving up paper books. I still love their old school experience. I've just learned to enjoy and appreciate a new reading experience as well. So this Christmas, if Santa offers me an e-reader, I won't turn him down this time.

Happy readings (print and virtual) from the perch.

Summer Reading--It's Good for You!

Our Summer Reading Program has started and is well underway--YAY!!! In the last post, I wrote about how the library is doing the program this year during the pandemic. I also mentioned some benefits of reading for both kids and adults, but just in case you need some more reasons:

• Improves reading skills.  The more you do something, the better you get. Reading is something to practice just like any other activity.
• Improves writing skills.  A good writer is also a good reader. Books demonstrate how language is used.
• Increases the desire to read.  When you eat a potato chip, you know you can't eat just one. The same goes for books.
• Improves self-esteem.  Reading builds vocabulary and knowledge. It's a good feeling when you're able to express yourself well and talk about things you know.
• Improves memory.  When you read a book, one event in a story often leads to the next. Reading exercises your mind and helps you remember earlier things.
• Improves concentration.  You just have to know what happens next in the story, don't you? Reading will help you focus and concentrate better.
• Reduces stress.  Need to relax? Reading allows you to forget your troubles and focus on something else for a while.
• Promotes curiosity and learning.  Reading exposes you to different things that will make you want to learn and understand more.
• Improves empathy.  Connecting with fictional characters helps us connect with real people in our lives.
• Provides entertainment.  Books and the stories they tell are fun! They take us to different places when we have nowhere to go.
• Creates a lifelong interest in reading.  When you start reading and make it an enjoyable activity, it becomes a good habit.

So, crack open those books, charge up those e-readers, and get reading! Read whatever you like. Read alone. Read together. The Summer Reading Program may run for 3 months, but the benefits, fun, and memories will last a lifetime.

Happy summer reading from the perch.