One way to encourage a love for reading in the household is to have a comfortable and conducive reading area. How does one create a place to build that love for reading? Here are some ideas.

The right amount of space. Not too spacey, not too cramped… create a space that allows you to be cozy and comfortable while reading. Consider the different furniture and accessories you’ll be needing as well so your space does not look too cluttered.
Cozy seating. An overstuffed chair, bean bags, a fluffy couch, a seat with an ottoman… what kind of seat makes you not want …read more

In keeping with our theme this week…exploring your local area, investigate what your library is offering.  You and your children may be delighted at what you discover.
Summer reading programs at local libraries offer youngsters fun and reading encouragement.  Our library, the Pease Public Library in Plymouth, NH, has excited young readers for many years.  I’m always impressed by what is planned for youngsters and the community.  Also, the children receive prizes, donated by local businesses,  for the number of books they read during the summer.
Even, though my grandchildren are too old (high school and college age when the programs are geared for …read more

When discussing books with a children’s school librarian, I mentioned Twilight and the fact that so many youngsters are fascinated by Stephenie Meyer’s books.  The librarian said that the series becomes a little more risqué in the subsequent books.  So at that school, they limited the reading to Twilight, unless the student had written permission from the parents.
This was considered an appropriate policy, especially since students as young as fourth grade wanted to check out these books.  This gave the parents input into their children’s reading selections.
This raises some interesting questions:
Do you think a school should limit a student’s reading material unless he/she …read more

BalletGirl came home today very excited about that bag she was carrying, it had all types of treasures inside. What was in the bag? Books. If you or if she is anything like me, you will learn that a book can transport you to a new world, time, place in a matter of pages. If it is a good book it can grab you the moment you begin to wait. Now that she is older I see her picking more books that are actually familiar to me. Do you recognize any of the books below?
Summer Reading Books:
Scary Stories: More Tales …read more

Where do you do your reading? Admit it, sometimes it’s in the john, if only because that’s the room with a lock on the door. Or perhaps the tub. When I’m having bowel issues a good book or magazine always helps me relax.
I’ve turned my entire bathroom into a library. The haphazard way of just putting books and magazines on the back of the toilet was driving me crazy. So, I added a magazine rack next to the toilet paper roll holder.
But, the part I love most about my library/restroom is the wallpaper. It’s the pages of a real vintage book. I …read more