Reader’s Corner: Reading is still a thing

There’s a lot of content in my email inbox these days that’s discouraging, disturbing, or asking for a contribution I probably can’t afford to a politician I may or may not agree with. Even when looking for work-related stuff, my “delete” percentage is probably upper 90s. That’s why it’s exciting to learn occasionally about a newsletter that’s actually worthwhile and fun to read, and recently, that’s been “1,000 Libraries.” 

The founders/curators share my bookish/geekish excitement, not only through must-click articles like “The 15 Most Beautiful Bookstores in the USA,” but with actual print publication recommendations and with reading-related stats. As for their digital newsletter, which I do NOT delete, here is a recent sampling: 

• “Here’s to the ones who read to us” – A tribute to the parents, grandparents and teachers in our lives who taught us to love reading 

• How a tiny mountain library in the Philippines is bringing kids together, using prizes and adventures that inspire kids and even families to walk kilometers for the love of reading.

• The story of a Tik-Tok creator who actually learned to read 

• A Kenyan author who read for 73 hours straight to bring attention to the nation’s need to re-inspire reading

• The revival of “snail mail.” Although sadly, the term is even more true nowadays, it turns out that when polled, people reported warm fuzzy feelings about opening a real piece of handwritten mail and said they miss the grandparents, aunts, etc., who used to send it. 

• Why analog matters: It says, “You’re worth my time,” and it provides keepsakes for future generations to cherish and learn from. 

Check this out at https://www.1000libraries.com, and also visit your local library to learn more about why reading matters and experience some true local community.