Appalachian Regional Library - Wilkes County Blog

What are your 2022 reading goals?

We’ve made it through yet another year of these unprecedented times, and it’s hard to believe it’s been close to two years since anything has felt normal. For many people, reading has been a stress reliever and a form of escapism from our current world. With that said, I want to challenge myself and anyone reading this post: read in 2022. Read more if you already read. Read challenging books if you are used to light and easy books. Read diverse books if you aren’t familiar with certain cultures. Read a different genre than you normally do. In this period of reflection and creating new resolutions, make some that you will actually enjoy doing.

A New Year is like a clean slate.  Many follow the tradition of setting resolutions.  Plans are made to diet, exercise, and save money.  While you are busy focusing on your 2022 improvement plan, don’t forget about reading.  Joseph Addison, a 17^th century essayist, is known for the popular quote: “Reading is to the mind, as exercise is to the body.”   In other words, just as exercise stimulates your body to make you stronger … reading stimulates your mind and makes you smarter.  Reading is great exercise for your brain, as you imagine scenarios and follow dialogue.  Another way to compliment a ‘saving money’ resolution is to visit the library, rather than the book or video store.  Remember, the library loans books and movies for free!

Wilkes County Public Library is the place to go if you need a pick-me-up, and a dose of holiday cheer.  The trees are lit and books are on display.  Candy canes for visitors and a winter-scene photo both featuring Santa are popular attractions for children.  Stop by and pick out some good books to read while relaxing at home, by the fire, with a hot beverage.  There are also plenty of holiday movies to borrow for family entertainment.

November 22 came and went without my literary birthday recommendation.  Blame it on the beginning of the holiday rush . . . Since this month’s chosen read celebrates an author born on December 12, this article will recommend two-in-one.  I’ll start with the belated and end with the upcoming.  I am also planning my ‘to-read list’ for the new year.  This is always a hard chore since I want to read everything I hear about, and time never allows for that. I will begin hosting monthly in-person Literary Celebrations at the Roaring River Winery (in Traphill) beginning in January.  Look for more information about this in our library news column, or call 336.838.2818 x 241