I loved filling out my summer reading log as a child. It was never about the extrinsic motivators, like the treasure box my young patrons pulled from as they completed summer reading logs when I was a public librarian. Rather it was the intrinsic reward of the many adventures I took through the pages of books. 

 

I loved to read. 

 

As I grew older, my love for reading never changed though my time for it often did. As I faced an empty nest over a decade ago, I filled it once again with books. 

 

I created a Goodreads account and tracked books read and reviews. I entered ARC (advance reading copy) giveaways. I joined book clubs. 

 

Two of my favorites were a monthly exchange group and a Facebook sharing page. The former was a Goodreads book club in which we were placed in groups of 12. Each month we would receive a book and a journal, each book chosen by a group member. We’d read the book, write in the journal, and pass along at the end of month. At the end of the year, we’d read twelve books, made eleven friends, and read the entries each reader had made about the book we’d chosen. 

 

The latter was started by a childhood friend in my hometown. I was living in another state so I appreciated The Reading Corner created by Lisa Daniel Holt. Not only could I share my favorite books, I had a little connection to home. 

 

It is obvious that grown-ups love summer (and spring and fall and winter) reading too. I especially love winter reading! Cozying up next to a fireplace with a cup of cocoa and a book is the middle-aged version of Disneyworld for me. 

 

 But right now we are in the middle of the dog days of summer and Rapides Parish Libraries are wrapping up their summer reading programs for both children and adults. 

 

Westside Regional Library will host their Adult End of Summer Celebration on Monday, August 12 from 6-7 PM. Hosted by the Little Bit of Everything Book Club, they will discuss books over food, fun, and prizes. 

 

Westside Library is located at 5416 Provine Place, Alexandria. Call 318-442-2483 for more information on this program.