If you ask any librarian at Fulton Library why they choose to work there, they’ll probably give you a similar answer: librarians love books. (Yeah, yeah, the librarian stereotype is real—books are kind of their thing.) Most of our librarians are big readers, and if you ask them for their favorite book, they’ll probably start by listing five, because picking just one is impossible.

But what is it about reading that’s so amazing? Well, for starters, reading—whether it’s a thrilling mystery, a deep poem, or a mind-bending piece of nonfiction—lets you travel to other worlds without ever leaving your seat. It’s like a mental vacation, where you can explore new places, dive into other people’s experiences, and learn about things you never even knew existed. You can live a thousand different lives by just cracking open a book.

Why Reading Is Even More Important Now

In today’s world, it’s easy to get distracted. With reels to scroll through, TV shows to binge, and texts to respond to, it’s tough to focus on just one thing for long. But here’s the thing: reading is one of the best ways to escape all distractions and slow down. It’s one of the few activities that can give your brain a real break from the fast-paced world we live in.

And it’s not just about escape—reading has lots of benefits:

• Reading will boost your focus and concentration: Reading a book takes effort, and over time, it trains your brain to focus for longer periods.
• Reading will improve your vocabulary: The more you read, the more words you encounter, which means more words you can use.
• Reading will reduce stress: Studies show that reading can lower stress levels and help you unwind, even more than listening to music or taking a walk.
• Reading will expand your perspective: Reading opens up new worlds, introduces you to different cultures, and helps you see things from other points of view.
• Reading will boost your creativity: The more you read, the more inspiration you can draw from different ideas, settings, and characters.

Now Is the Perfect Time to Start Reading Again

With summer break here, now is the perfect time to rediscover your love of reading. Are you tired of reading only for school assignments and research papers? Then try diving into a good book that has nothing to do with school. Reading doesn’t have to be about tackling a huge, dense book (unless you’re into that!). Summer is the ideal time to take your time and enjoy a slower pace—perfect for sinking into a good story.

If you’re looking for your next great read, swing by the Browsing Collection on the first floor of the library! It's packed with all sorts of genres. Not sure what to pick? Visit our librarian-curated booklists on our website or ask a librarian in person! They’re always available to share their favorites and give you a list of recommendations. And fair warning: you might need an extra bag to carry all the books they’ll suggest!