Throughout the summer, the multi-platform PBS initiative The Great American Read has been encouraging people across America to read as many books as possible from its list of America’s 100 Favorite Novels and to vote for their favorites.
The series resumes Sept. 11. But for now, The Great American Read has partnered with the Library of Congress to offer tips on how to make reading a part of a daily routine.
“The Great American Read aims to provide a place for all Americans to discuss the books that they love; books that have inspired, moved and shaped them in one way or another,” said Bill Gardner, Vice President of Programming & Development for PBS. “We hope to help readers fall in love with the act of reading all over again whether that’s through discovering new titles or revisiting favorites from the past.”
Here are some reading tips from Clark and the Young Readers Center at the Library of Congress to build reading into your daily life throughout the year:
- Keep a book with you so you can read it whenever you have an extra minute or two.
- If you have trouble putting down your phone, put a book on it. Read a few pages instead of checking social media.
- If the weather is amenable, read outdoors — it engages all of your senses and helps improve your mood.
- Try downloading free apps from your public library so you can borrow e-books and audio books.
- Re-read a favorite. You’ll be surprised by the new discoveries found in an old favorite.
- Embrace your not-so-guilty pleasures. It doesn’t have to be Tolstoy or Joyce – reading for enjoyment should be, well, enjoyable.
- Join reading challenges, such as Reading Without Walls by Gene Luen Yang, the former National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Also, peruse lists of award-winning books on topics and perspectives that interest you.
- Pick a book to read out loud together as a family activity. Take turns reading. Act out the parts. Use funny voices. Have some fun playing, reading, writing, talking and singing with the young members of your family.
- Read your favorite childhood novel to your kids.
The Great American Read launched on April 20 with the release of America’s list of 100 favorite novels as chosen by a demographically and statistically representative survey (the full list is available at pbs.org/greatamericanread).
For more information on how to vote, visit https://www.pbs.org/the-great-american-read/vote/.
