Read a Book, Connect with a Book Club, Join a Public Library… Be a Summer Reader!
by Rev. Dr. Kathy Gore Chappell, Leadership Coach, Pinnacle Leadership Associates
To all of you who love a good read, this is a reminder and invitation to read a good book this summer, for pleasure! I am thinking of a book that is of interest to you… a book that might connect you with a book club that appeals to your desire for community, creativity and intellectual stimulation… or simply, the search for a book that entices you to join a local public library offering a summer reading program and other self-help & community service activities.
Can you tell I am excited about summer reading? Yes, I am! And, I am still interested in books classified as professional reading as well as books that are considered spiritually inspiring. At the same time, I am interested in broadening my thinking and experiencing new authors. Beyond the actual reading, I am getting to know real live people who stretch me by their book recommendations and engage me in dynamic small group conversations.
Growing up in a small town in the south, the public library was definitely part of summer living. At least once per week, my brother, sister and I would walk from our home to the nearby town library for the weekly children’s story hour. After the story time, my siblings and I would peruse the children’s section of the library in search of biographies or mysteries or histories, and make our selections for check out. Then, we would head back home until the next week’s return to the library for a fresh stack of books! What a wonderful childhood memory, not to mention a measuring tool for tracking the development of healthy reading habits.
Of course, the development of healthy reading habits is not only for children. As adults, these habits can expand the mind and nurture self, family and community. Think about the books you have read, treasures you have discovered and habits you have formed as an adult reader.
Additionally, certain locations that house bookstores have unique personalities and actually bring a little enchantment to the experience of searching for that next book.
One of my favorite vintage bookstores (rare books, music & comic books) is Reader’s Corner in Raleigh, North Carolina. Oh, what fun to get lost in the 70’s section or to make purchases (less than $1) after hours at the outside bookshelves. https://www.hillsboroughstreet.org/go/readers-corner
A traditional bookstore appreciated by our family during our years living in Richmond, Virginia, was Barnes & Noble. Our family would spend an occasional Friday night in the bookstore, reading and relaxing, enjoying a cup of coffee and a shared dessert. https://stores.barnesandnoble.com/
These days I am reveling in a relatively new independent bookstore in Waco, Texas, where you just might expect a hobbit to appear at any moment. The name of the bookstore is Fabled Bookshop & Cafe. The unique, downtown store is filled with books from floor to (almost) ceiling, comfortable chairs, a children’s section and a small cafe with wine, tea, coffee and pastries. https://fabledbookshop.com/
And, let’s not forget about the public library. At the West Waco Library & Genealogy Center, the surroundings are inviting with welcoming staff, computers, a children’s section, quiet reading areas and private study rooms. https://www.waco-texas.com/Departments/Library/West-Waco
So, what books will be on your reading list for the summer months ahead? Will you accept the challenge to broaden your thinking, experience new authors and strengthen your world? Well, then, accept the invitation to read a good book! Be encouraged and remember…
“Reading forces you to be quiet in a world that no longer makes a place for that.” —John Green, NY Times Best Selling Author & YouTuber
Rev. Dr. Kathy Gore Chappell, Leadership Coach, Pinnacle Leadership Associates, coachkchappell@gmail.com
