This is why I will not stop talking about books and reading

Here are 11 Facts about Literacy in America from Do Something.  This happens to an organization that fund raises for different "campaigns" to bring about positive change.  I linked it simply because of the alarming facts they share.

Here is another article that analyzes the statistics on Americans who do not read, this time from the Pew Research Center. 24% percent of adult Americans "say they haven’t read a book in whole or in part in the past year, whether in print, electronic or audio form."  Who Doesn't Read Books in America?  

And finally, here are some Facts About Children's Literacy from the National Education Association.

Of books and other things

Libraries have so much more to offer besides books these days which is great.  I love using databases for up to date information on current issues (and the ease at which they can be searched now).  It beats flipping through print journals or magazines by a landslide.  I also really like having access to online encyclopedias so I can quickly find background information on a topic or so that I can double check something I am having trouble remembering.  And of course, there is the amazing dvd collection we have that's filled with films, documentaries and live performances of artistic works that we simply don't have access to at our local cinema or theater.  But, and I realize that this makes me sound old fashioned, but books are still the best thing that a library has to offer.

Now, I'm biased of course.  I love to read.  Always have.  I can't remember learning to read per se; although I do remember not being able to read.  It just sort of happened.  One day I couldn't and the next day I could, or at least that's how it felt and how I remember it.  Libraries offer everyone access to all sorts of books that they would never be able to purchase (or store) on their own.  (Well, maybe if you are uber rich and have a library like in the Beast's castle. If so, can we be friends?) But it is more than just access to them that libraries provide.  You have trained professionals there who enjoy reading and finding information and they want to help you find what you are looking for and to discuss those books with you. (Gentle reminder that if you enjoy that to read our last post about Booked for Lunch).

For some time now pundits have been crowing about how print is dead and that the new digital age will usurp print books.  Sorry, but no.  Print is not going away anytime soon, not, at least, for books people read as opposed to peruse.  And it's a good thing too because studies have found that people retain more information when reading it in print versus online.  Check out this article from the New Republic on the subject.  Why Digital Reading is No Substitute for Print

I encourage everyone to visit their local library or libraries.  We are an academic library so we don't have the same types of programming that public libraries do, and our fiction collection, while nothing to sneer at, isn't as big as many public libraries can offer.  Our nonfiction collection on the other hand, is out of this world (not to brag or anything).  Libraries exist to serve their patrons and in turn, we need our patrons to support us all in order for us to continue to receive funding.  Even if you aren't much of a reader, there is so much that a library can offer you.  Check on out today.  You'll be pleasantly surprised. 

Booked for Lunch

Readers tend to like to talk about the books they've enjoyed and to always be looking for recommendations of other great books to try.  How do you find these recommendations though? Obviously you can ask a librarian, but even though we try to be widely read we do have our own reading preferences and tastes, so it can be challenging to recommend something that isn't in our wheelhouse so to speak.  (For instance, I don't read horror, so I wouldn't be a good person to ask for recommendations for that genre off the top of my head.) Goodreads is another great resource, but to get the most out of it you need to invest a lot of time building your bookshelves and reviewing books; time that busy readers would rather devote to actually reading.  Of course, there are also book clubs, but those can be hard to find and join.   Also, just because you are friends with someone doesn't mean you will have the same taste in books.  Many readers also don't want to be forced to read anything, they just want a good mystery by golly! What's a frustrated book worm to do?

Introducing Booked for Lunch!!! Beginning in September the Jim and Patsy Rose Library will be hosting Booked for Lunch twice a month (on different days to help accommodate people's schedules) where we get together over lunch (you have to provide your own) and discuss what we are reading based on the selected genre and get recommendations of other books in that same genre.  For example, in October the genre will be mysteries.  Hate mysteries?  You don't have to come to that meeting! Another genre will be fantasy. Loathe those? Don't come!  You only need to come to the meetings where the topic interests you.  If that means you only come to one a year so be it.  We aren't taking attendance. We just want to give our patrons (this is open to faculty, staff and students) an opportunity to simply discuss books and socialize.  And don't worry if you can't make it to the meeting itself.  All of the books mentioned will be posted here after the second meeting has taken place.

We are all very excited about Booked for Lunch and hope you will be too!