One of the best places to start your reading journey is at the local library. Jada Hauser | Washtenaw Voice
By Lily Cole
Deputy Editor
Why reading matters
Most of us consider reading an academic activity done only under the watchful eye of a teacher. Friends of mine will say they haven’t picked up a book since seventh grade, which always puzzled me. How could you not pick up a book?
Sure, the books we read for school are sometimes good. But there’s just something special about choosing what you want to read.
When I read, it reduces my stress. I get to take my mind off everything and have a little moment of mindfulness for the day.
Many people aren’t avid readers until they grow older.
Sandy McCarthy, the Interim Executive Director of Learning Resources, wasn’t passionate about it until later in life. So, there’s still time to develop a love of reading.
By incorporating it into your daily routine, you can make a difference in how you live.
For me, I put books in places I see them the most–on my bed, in my backpack, on the kitchen counter. I also turn off my phone or silence notifications when I’m reading. It makes everything much more peaceful.
If you’re swayed by the idea of picking up a book, know there are books about anything and everything.
Take my favorite read this past year: “The Hobbit” by J. R. R. Tolkien. It took me almost a year to finish, not because it was relatively long but because Tolkien loves run-on sentences.
The story’s writing was beautiful and I love “The Lord of the Rings.” I just had to go back and reread a bunch of things to fully understand the meaning.
But, I consider the experience extremely beneficial. I concentrated more than ever on a book, which helped my patience.
According to “9 Benefits of Reading: Enhance Your Daily Life” by Thomas J Law, researchers studied the effects of self-help books and found that many have a measurable impact on depression or other mood disorders.
At the beginning of 2023, I read a few self-help books and learned to be grateful and mindful. This act of using books as therapy is called bibliotherapy. It’s a skill that I believe everyone should be aware of.
McCarthy said one of her top picks for 2023 was “How to Be More Tree: Essential Life Lessons for Perennial Happiness” by Potter Gift– a self-help book that shows how trees teach us wisdom about everyday life.
According to her, “Reading helps people understand and learn empathy.”
These traits of empathy, gratefulness, and mindfulness are ones we could all stand to develop ourselves. Reading is one of the first steps you can take to achieve this.
John Green says it best, “Great books help you understand, and they help you feel understood.”
Where to start?
One of the best places to start your reading journey is at the local library. This can be your public library, where library cards are easy to get.
I’ve had mine since I was 12 and still have the old ones too. Looking back at 14 year old me’s cursive, I shutter. But getting the card is simple, you can go to the information desk in your local library to find out how.
Your campus library is another great place to start the adventure.
For WCC, the Bailey Library is the go-to option. While I haven’t been in the library much, the times I do go, it’s been such a blessing.
In the library they have private study rooms set up so you can study undisturbed, whiteboards that are brought out to collaborate on note-taking and computers available for student use.
According to the World Intellectual Property Organization, “the resources and services they [libraries] offer create opportunities for learning, support literacy and education, and help shape the new ideas and perspectives that are central to a creative and innovative society.”
At the library, students get together to share ideas. In one of my classes, a few of us met at the library to work on a project. It helped us work together and be in a space that promoted learning.
When I’m there by myself though, I always try to peek at every book on the shelf. I love going to different sections.
McCarthy said one of the most viewed shelves is the “it book” section, where the most popular books are. If a student is new to reading and asks for a recommendation, that’s where they are pointed to first.
According to the American Association of School Libraries, “[A] library team provides the foundation for student learning.”
The article discusses how school librarians are often role models for strong leadership, initiative, and other career and life skills.
Elena Mermelstein, a child development major, said everyone in the library is helpful and kind. She spends most of her time at Bailey, and as a child development major, a quiet, soothing place is needed.
She loves the atmosphere of the library.
“They might as well have a bed for me here,” she said.
It’s kind of charming how a good old book and a quiet spot at the library can create a calm and soothing atmosphere.
“You are surrounded by knowledge,” Mermelstein said. “Everything is so online; there’s just something different about a hardcover.”
For me, there’s no question about it. If I had to choose a place to be throughout the day, it would be at the library.
Specifically, the Bailey Library.
