Getting a book fix:
Reading tips while isolating
Living in self-isolation with time on your hands? People often say they don’t have the time to read, but for many, time is of an abundance during the lockdown, so now is the chance.
Cheri Killam, from Port Williams, N.S., has been doing just this.
“Many of us want something to focus on other than this constant low-level stress of worrying about contracting COVID. Books are the greatest escape,” she says.
With a reliance on libraries or bookstores, used or new, and thanks to Marie Kondo’s advice about downsizing books, many people may not have the home libraries they used to, says Killam. Therefore, many are left scrambling for ideas of how to get their next book fix.
Although closed to the public, libraries still have many options to help people get books.
Angela Reynolds, community engagement coordinator for the Annapolis Valley Regional Library in Nova Scotia, says their library system, as well as many others, have downloadable ebooks, audiobooks, and magazines. You do need a library card to access many of these collections, but once you have it, you can download books to an e-reader or computer or use the Libby app and read on your tablet or phone. Library cards can still be issued by going to your local library site and putting in a request.
Meme Yanchus of St. John’s is a frequent ebook reader, getting books from her local library. She recommends signing out two books at a time, so once one is finished, she borrows a third, so she always has something to read, and never has to wait.
The Newfoundland and Labrador Public Librares also offer numerous options through its Digital Library. Visit digitallibrary.nlpl.ca to find out more.
Reynolds says her library is now considering ways to get books and other items directly to library patrons.
“We are monitoring the information from Nova Scotia Public Health and are developing practices that will allow our staff to safely package items for you to borrow,” says Reynolds.
Once they can confidently do this in accordance with the directives from the Health Protection Act, the new lending program will begin, she says.
Until then, for those who still like the feel of a real book or do not have a device for ebooks, there are still several options for getting books. Orders from online stores like Amazon and Chapters have increased, and many local businesses are doing curbside deliveries.
A BOOK COMMUNITY
Joanna Stockley and her eight-year-old daughter, Julie Thorne, of Conception Bay South, have been doing something similar in their subdivision, but for children.
“Our kids picked out their top five books, took a picture of them, and sent them to the other kids in our subdivision,” says Stockley.
Neighbourhood children sent in their requests, and Thorne left the books in a bag on the neighbour’s door handle.
Besides picking up new books to read, others are returning to old familiar ones as a form of comfort. Reynolds suggests re-reading books you’ve already read – it’s like revisiting an old friend, and sometimes, readers find they like a book better the second time.
She also suggests reading aloud as a family.
“If you’ve got a copy of Winnie the Pooh or Charlotte’s Web sitting on the kid’s bookshelves, get it out and read it together. There’s great comfort in visiting those old friends from childhood,” Reynolds suggests.
Some avid readers, like Killam, a self-proclaimed “book pusher,” have been organizing neighbourhood book dropoffs.
“I can afford to buy new books online, but many people rely on libraries or used bookstores and with those options disappearing, I decided to help out,” she said.
Killam created a “Pandemic Lending Library” list of the books in her collection and asked people for their favourite genres. Then, she drove around and put them on people’s doorsteps, rang their bells, and walked away.
STRUGGLE TO CONCENTRATE?
Other people are having difficulty concentrating on reading anything.
Beth Clinton, regional manager at the Confederation Centre Public Library in Charlottetown, P.E.I., says that in situations like this, she suggests trying to read some short stories or children’s books or go back to an old favourite, so even if your mind drifts, you won’t get too lost.
Another great suggestion is to try a change of format, she says. Go for an audiobook or a graphic novel.
“I’m a big fan of graphic novels and they available for all ages,” says Clinton.
It’s important, says Clinton, to keep reading, especially for kids as it is a welcome distraction for anybody. Everyone is unsettled and uncertain these days, and reading can be a help.
Also, encouraging kids to read for pleasure will help foster a lifelong love of reading, and it’s a way to avoid the summer slide, says Clinton.
“Kids can lose reading skills just over the summer break, so with this extended break from regular school, it is even more important to encourage reading for enjoyment,” she says.
Reading, says Clinton, gives a sense of satisfaction and fulfillment that you are still learning, taking in new ideas and readying yourself to take part in the world again.
ONLINE RESOURCES TO CHECK FOR BOOKS:
• Read Atlantic: download an ebook from a local author. A new title is released each week. https://atlanticbookstoday.ca/readatlantic/
•Tumble Books: links to kids books, books for teens, and even romance books all for free https://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/
• Overdrive: The Libby app allows you to borrow and read ebooks and audiobooks from your local public library for free https://www.overdrive.com/
• Audio Book Sync: Free audiobooks for teens. Remember, you don’t have to be a teen to listen https://www. audiobooksync.com/
• Audible: kids everywhere can instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across eight different languages https://stories.audible.com/start-listen
• Hoopla: Offers ebooks and audio books as well as movies, music, and comic books to download https://www.hoopladigital.com/
• Epic Books: A digital library for kids that is free for a month for parents, but free for teachers until June 30 so they can send invitations to parents. https://www.getepic.com/
• Open Library: https:// openlibrary.org/
• Author websites and Facebook pages: Many authors are reading their books online, via Youtube, and librarians across the globe are doing story times online. This is a great way for kids to get access to books.