If you’re on this blog, then I think you're well aware that reading is the best (nothing better!). But just like cooking, exercise or any hobby you practice regularly, sometimes the routine gets boring and you fall into a rut (nothing worse!).
Oatmeal with blueberries, again? Jogging the Prospect Park loop, again?? Contemporary fiction about a sad lady looking for love in the big city, again?!
Don’t despair, friends—the Library is here for you. Whether you’re currently stuck in a reading rut or you simply want to be prepared, here are five BPL resources that will rekindle your love for books.
Try reading in a different format.
Your BPL card offers access to over 400,000 eBooks and audiobooks that you can read on your computer, tablet and phone. Need to wash dishes or walk the dog? It will barely feel like a chore if you put on headphones and listen to a celebrity’s life story. Still working from home? I recommend the eBook reward system: open a fun beach read on your laptop and treat yourself to a chapter each time you successfully reply to an email (I never do this during work hours, but you definitely should?). Bonus: BPL is on Overdrive, which has a plethora of eBook and audiobook collections to discover.
Get book recommendations from a BPL librarian.
If you’re having trouble finding a good book, why not ask an expert? Try Bklyn BookMatch, BPL’s free recommendation service. Complete a short online form about your reading preferences and personal interests, and a librarian will send you a custom list of five book titles. You can also browse our website’s booklist page—scroll, search by keyword or select your favorite BookMatch librarian to find ready-made lists of books organized by theme, age group and more.
Join one of BPL’s upcoming book discussions.
Reading is generally a solitary activity, but it can be social, too. Throughout the year, the Library hosts author talks and book discussions for a variety of genres, including young adult novels, nonfiction books and literary classics. You’ll have the opportunity to ask authors questions during the Q&A portion, and you can connect with fellow lit lovers during multi-session book clubs.
Take reading to the next level with Bklyn Book Club Kits.
BPL librarians created Book Club Kits to help readers foster a deeper connection with books and writers. Every Book Club Kit contains virtual resources that complement individual books, such as discussion questions, recipes, playlists and author interviews.
Enjoy a change of scenery with BPL Outdoors.
It’s prime Reading Outside Season, and after this claustrophobic, nightmare year, there is nothing I want more than to not be inside my apartment. If you feel the same way, great news: this spring, the Library launched BPL Outdoors, featuring storytime, arts and crafts, tech help, and—best of all—outdoor seating areas at more than 30 neighborhood branches. Check out a book, pull up a chair, and don’t forget your sunglasses!
This blog post reflects the opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views of Brooklyn Public Library.
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