Among the popular New Year’s resolutions is: “read more books,” which makes Washington County Library the perfect place to visit this year.
Resolution to read
Though it may not tip the scales to the same degree resolutions like “lose weight” and “exercise more,” or even “quit smoking” tend to do, the goal to read more during the coming year is a viable one.
Benefits of reading, either on your own or at the Washington County Library, are numerous. According to WhyToRead.com, reading increases verbal skills. Reading can improve your focus and concentration. It opens new worlds to the reader — often allowing them to enjoy the arts and improve the world. Reading improves the imagination, makes you smarter and even reduces stress. Plus, reading improves your memory. If that isn’t enough, reading is enjoyable; a source of entertainment.
RealSimple.com adds to that list by including the fact that reading can make you more empathetic.
Now, no one at the Washington County Library, or anywhere else is saying you have to read something extremely difficult or overwhelming to get these benefits. The simple act of reading more is the goal. So choose something you enjoy.
Genres to consider
For some, this is cookbooks (reading, not just glancing at the recipes). Others prefer graphic novels (comic books). For some, a thrilling mystery is the key. But there are so many others to consider.
* Comedy
* Drama
* Horror fiction
* Adventure
* Mythology
* Romance
* Satire
* Tragedy
* Tragicomedy
* Fantasy
* Detective/crime
* Fan fiction
* Folklore
* Historical fiction
* Short story
* Biography
* Memoirs
* Western
* Tall tale
* Science fiction
* Owner’s manual
* Speech
* Textbook
* Self-help book
* Personal narrative
Surely there is something in that list that will appeal to you. And you can find so many of them at Washington County Library, among other places.
How to reach the goal
In an article by the LA Times, there are several tips on how to reach this particular goal. One of which, is to utilize the public library, be it the Washington County Library, or any other.
Other tips included:
* Buy and e-reader
* Use the library
* Join a book club
* Make your phone reading-ready
* Join GoodReads
* Watch for deals on books
* Unplug
Washington County Library | What it offers
With eight branches in the Washington County Library system, there is likely a location near you. The main branch of the Washington County Library is located in downtown St. George, just west of Main Street on 100 South. The St. George Branch is the largest of the branches, but many of the same programs exist at the Washington, Santa Clara, Hurricane, Springdale, Enterprise, New Harmony and Hildale branches as well.
According to the Washington County Library online newsletter, there have been a number of changes made in the last year. Many of these will help people reach their goal of reading more.
For example, there have been increases to the library collections at each of the branches.
The Washington County Library web site offers readers the opportunity to peruse the catalog from the comfort of their home. Author, as well as book suggestions online gives readers the incentive to try something new.
For example, the current author introduction tells readers about Jodi Picoult, author of 23 books.
Or, if you are looking to spark some enthusiasm in your children for reading more books, the Washington County Library showcases books that have received the Beehive Award, sponsored by the Children’s Literature Association of Utah. Who knows, you may want to pick up a copy of Sarah Prineas’ “The Magic Thief,” or Brandon Mull’s “The Candy Shop Wars” for yourself.
What’s inside
A visit to the St. George Branch of the Washington County Library reveals a large, historical replica building nestled in downtown St. George.
This three-level structure includes a children’s library, reference materials, computer lab, conference rooms, reading nooks and more. Plus, even though you are looking to read more this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of the many audiovisual media offerings at the Washington County Library. There is a full section of DVD and VHS recordings. Audio books are available on cassette and CD. Sometimes its hard to find certain movies on Netflix or at RedBox. When that happens, don’t forget to check out the Washington County Library to see if its available.
Clubs to join
In addition to reading at the Washington County Library, there are a variety of clubs to join. For example, the Page Turners Club at the St. George branch of the Washington County Library is a monthly book club. It meets the second Tuesday of each month from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Young adults can get involved too with a book club of their own, on the second Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m.
Meanwhile the Hurricane Branch of the Washington County Library offers an Anime and Manga Club, as well as a writer’s and artist group.
Each of the branches offer story times for children and toddlers.
So if you have a New Year’s resolution to read more, the Washington County Library is here to help.
And if you are interested in living near one of the branches of the Washington County Library, check out these great real estate listings here.