October is National Book Month. The month-long celebration focuses on the importance of reading, writing and literature.
National Book Month celebrates the joy and importance of books and encourages people to pick up a book and start reading. This can help cultivate a love for reading in individuals of all ages, leading to many positive benefits, such as improving literacy skills, and increasing imagination and creativity.
The month-long celebration also serves as an opportunity to highlight and support authors, publishers and other professionals in the book industry. It promotes the importance of literature in our society and helps raise awareness of smaller or lesser-known writers and their work.
Participating in National Book Month can be a great way to reflect on personal interests, broaden one’s perspective or simply escape into another world through the pages of a book. The event encourages individuals to set aside time to read and relax, which can have countless mental and emotional benefits.
Here are some ways to celebrate National Book Month:
Read a book — Pick a new book or re-read a classic.
Watch the movie adaptation — Read a book and then watch the movie version.
Exchange books — Read a friend or classmate’s favorite book and then exchange it with them.
Visit the library — Check out the New Book section and see available books.
Join a book club — Find new books to read while you meet new friends. JCPL’s book discussions are listed here: PageAfterPage.org/bookclub
Visit the Friends of JCPL Book Sale on Oct. 5 at the Franklin Branch from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A grocery bag full of books is just $5.
See a bestselling author in person — The JCPL Foundation is holding a fundraiser to hear James Patterson and Matt Eversmann speak about their new book, “American Heroes.” The event will be held on Oct. 23 at the Franklin Community High School Performing Arts Center. Ticket information is available on their website: JCPLF.org/Patterson.
National Book Month is not just for adults but the whole family. Reading is a great way for children to bond with their caregivers. When you read to a child, you share a special moment with them and help them develop a love of reading.
Here are some suggestions to get the entire family involved in National Book Week:
Choose books that align with your child’s age and interests; better yet, let them choose what to read!
Make reading a fun and relaxing experience. Sit with your child in a comfortable spot and read together aloud.
Talk to your child about the books you read together. Ask questions about the plot, characters and themes of the stories.
Have a family reading night where everyone takes turns reading a section from their favorite book aloud.
Attend a storytime at JCPL or bring your children to the library to browse our collection. Let them choose their books.
Build a fort out of blankets and pillows to create a reading zone.
Plan a book-themed party. Read a book, then watch a movie or TV show related to the book and make themed snacks.
Reading is a gift that lasts a lifetime. By inspiring a love of reading in your child, you are giving them a gift that will help them to succeed in school, in their careers and life.
Nicole Caudill is a library assistant at JCPL’s Clark Pleasant Branch. JCPL staff members share in writing this twice-monthly column for the Daily Journal. Send comments to [email protected].
