Library
Isabella Scollard
37
Following on from the Read and Relax Collection Blog #2, which explored all of the lovely benefits that can be reaped from reading for pleasure, this blog will showcase some quick tips on how to build up some regular reading habits.
Reading Tips:
- Start small and make it a habit
Try reading a short story collection, poetry, or articles on Substack to build up your concentration skills.
- Reduce Distractions
Throw that phone across the room, find a cosy spot to read (like our library), and grab a beverage. Some people add to the atmosphere by playing soft background music or sounds that fit the book’s landscape, such as forest ambience.
- Join Book Clubs and Find Community
Image sourced from Adobe Stock, created by Rawpixel.com under the Education License.
Enjoy the social side of reading and join a monthly book club. Sometimes the accountability of reading alongside people can be the main motivator to finish a book, or ask some friends to buddy-read with you. Book clubs can be full of analytical and intellectual discussions or more casual meet-ups, full of gossip shared over some snacks.
Alternatively, immerse yourself in some bookish content online – TikTok is rife with snappy book reviews, fan art, and hauls, whereas YouTube has reading vlogs and more long-form content. It is all a great space for discovery.
- Track Your Reads Using Storygraph
Although reading is not just about the number of books you consume, logging your reads can be a satisfying way to sustain reading habits. Apps like ‘Storygraph’ (an independent app built by Nadia Odunayo) are particularly great because you can set reading goals and track your reading history to learn more about yourself through your interests. Otherwise, there’s always a pen and paper!
- Reflect and Journal
Image sourced from Adobe Stock, created by shine.graphics under the Education License.
Write reviews or short journal entries exploring your experience of a book. What did you like or dislike? What feelings were stirred? Where does this story lead you next? This may deepen your connection to a book and encourage more active consumption as your brain is engaged. Plus, reading your entries back in a few years is always entertaining.
- Read Multiple Books at Once
This may be a controversial take, but I enjoy reading about 3 books simultaneously – usually one fiction, one non-fiction, and an audiobook. This means I dip into whichever book I’m intrigued by in the moment, and I find that it often satisfies a busy brain.
- Explore Genres
Try out some genres that you aren’t instantly drawn to. Personally, I never previously gravitated towards Science Fiction; however, since venturing into the works of Ursula Le Guin, it’s expanded my taste massively as it delves into personal interests I never knew were associated with the Sci-Fi genre, such as anthropology. Stay open-minded, and new experiences will await you.
The Dispossessed by Ursula Le Guin: CCCU Read and Relax Collection
- Read before Bed
Setting a routine of reading a chapter of a book before bed may help you sleep better, shut off from technology, and become a little cosy treat to look forward to throughout your day.
- Attend Book Readings
Try attending a book reading, signing event, or even a literary festival, as it is a great way to discover new books, enjoy stimulating conversations and meet others in your community. Hearing the inspiration and thought processes behind a book may even invigorate you more to read it.
Come along to the Canterbury Festival, Kent’s leading arts festival, as some book events are even being hosted in Augustine House Library this October!
- Always Carry a Book
Carrying a book in the mornings has transformed my daily commute, as instead of scrolling on my phone, I disappear into a book for 30 minutes, feeling happy and relaxed before starting the workday. Always packing a book in my bag means if I’m ever waiting or have a few minutes spare, I can immerse within a story and time flies by.
What’s on our shelf?
Here are a few of our library team’s first reads from the Read and Relax collection…
Poster created by library staff on Canva.
If any of these books look intriguing, type a book title or classmark into LibrarySearch to find the availability, or scour our shelves in the Read and Relax area to find more.
| BOOK TITLE | CLASSMARK |
| Braiding Sweetgrass | 305.8 KIM |
| Yesteryear | F/CM BUR |
| Feeding Ghosts – A Graphic Memoir | F/GN HUL |
| There is no Anti-Memetics Division | F/SF QNT |
| Art Cure | 700.1 FAN |
| Before the coffee gets cold | F KAW |
Previous blogs in the Read & Relax series:
Featured image created by ninocare, sourced by Pixabay, Content License – Pixabay.
