Library is Rounding Up Adult Readers

Written by Beatrice Karnes

Livermore is blessed with an absolutely stunning main library, along with branches spread out to different neighborhoods. Most of us enroll our children or grandchildren in the Summer Reading Program at one time or another, but did you know that there’s an Adult Summer Reading Program? And just like the kids, you can win prizes for reading books!

While many of us read nonfiction books in our chosen work fields, it’s easy to dismiss fiction as frivolous as we keep up with all of the obligations in our busy lives. However, Stanford researchers using fMRI found that reading novels is good for your brain.

According to Corrie Goldman, Outreach Officer for Stanford Humanities, “Surprising preliminary results reveal a dramatic and unexpected increase in blood flow to regions of the brain beyond those responsible for ‘executive function,’ areas which would normally be associated with paying close attention to a task, such as reading.”

So, reading is good for your brain. But why go through the bother of joining a reading program?

Joyce Nevins, Supervising Librarian for Livermore Public Library, thinks everyone should get involved, “Libraries have long had summer reading programs for children and teens, to keep them reading over the summer, maintaining and extending their reading skills and encouraging them to become lifelong readers and learners.   So why let the kids have all the fun? 

"The Adult Summer Reading Program emphasizes the same message – that reading is enjoyable and exciting, and so is the library.  It is also a great way to allow parents to model good reading habits for their children.”

The library has created an online community where you can write book reviews, read recommendations from other residents, access book lists and more.

“And who knows,” adds Nevins, “you may win dinner at a local restaurant, or tickets to the movies!”