In partnership with the Lebanon County Library Association, LebTown is proud to introduce “Library Letters,” a series of columns about the programming, people, and possibilities offered by libraries around the county.
Today’s letter is from Mary Weigley, interim director of the Richland Community Library.
This time of year is the perfect time to curl up with a good book. Pick a book from your “want to read list.” Try a cozy mystery. Have you ever read Agatha Christie? If not, choose one of her mysteries; my favorites are And Then There Were None and Murder on the Orient Express. Try a book made into a movie you saw and see if you like the book better. I love the book The Great Gatsby but have never seen a movie version I like. Or go out on a limb and read something out of your comfort zone; for me that would be a Science Fiction book. Books can take you to places you’ve never been before and stir the imagination.
Gather the family together on a snow day and enjoy a read-aloud together. Reading aloud is a great way to help children with reading. Check out the book, Champ and Major by Joy McCullough, and learn about the dogs currently residing in the White House. Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard Atwater. Have each family member read a part of the book and discussion the book. What did each family member like or dislike about the book?
Read aloud to your younger children. Reading together is the best way to raise a reader. Make it fun! Talk about the pictures in the book. Try to guess what might happen next. Who are the characters in the book? Snow Friends by Margery Cuyler is a great read-aloud book. It’s a story about friendship and dogs. Or check out Puddle by Hyewon Yum. The story is about how a mother and son spend a rainy day together.
Participate in the Winter Reading Challenge. Sign up for giveaways and prizes. Everyone will receive something for participating. It’s easy to do. Log into Beanstack. Then log your reading time and if you would like to, you can write reviews of the books you read.
Don’t worry if the local library has curbside pick-up only. Order book online or call the library and request books for pick-up. Make reading a part of your daily routine.