February is “I Love to Read Month,” and Botetourt County Libraries have a host of activities planned to celebrate the joy of reading.
From February 5-17, stop by any library branch and take a chance on the library’s Valentine’s Day-themed “Blind Date with a Book.” Select books will be wrapped so no one can see the title or cover, only a short teaser or hint. Unlike a real blind date, participants don’t have to stick around reading it if they don’t hit it off right away. But like blind dates, there’s always the chance that someone will meet their new best friend (author, genre, etc.).
Many people make New Year’s resolutions to read more, and the Adult Reading Challenge is a great way to make those goals a reality. Adults 18+ commit to reading 12 books in 2024, tracking their progress with a special bookmark and/or through Beanstack, an app for tracking reading and participating in reading challenges. Readers may earn rewards, including a reading journal, coffee mug, flower seed bookmark, and tote bag.
Launching in February, the Teen Reading Society encourages tweens and teens to read more and share their reading interests and insights with each other. Members-only meetings start in March, and membership is free to all tweens/teens. Members can log their reading in Beanstack, set their own goals, and earn incentives for the number of books read. There is no required reading list; tweens and teens choose their own books. Stay tuned for more special activities and perks!
The library also offers monthly themed reading challenges on Beanstack for all ages. February’s theme is Black History Month, and participants are encouraged to explore Black history and Black authors and illustrators in fiction and nonfiction, text, and pictures.
Who says reading can’t be a social activity? Join in regular reading-related programs, such as monthly book clubs for adults, StoryTimes for preschoolers, and special events like a “Where’s Waldo?” activity time for kids. See the online calendar at bocolibraries.info for details. Also, follow the library on Facebook and Instagram to share the love of reading with other bibliophiles.
Stumped for what to read next? Request up to five personalized reading recommendations from library staff by filling out an online request form at bocolibraries.info > Services > Get Recommendations. People may describe what they’re in the mood for and select how they want to receive the list (or just have the items pulled to pick up). If readers prefer to explore on their own, use the online resource NoveList (bocolibraries.info > Online Resources > NoveList) to find their next favorite read using a wide range of parameters and suggestion lists.
Whether cozying up in a blanket, traveling with a Kindle, reading bedtime stories to children, or listening to audiobooks during a morning walk, libraries have Botetourt covered. Grab the next read in various formats, whether print, large print, audiobook on CD, e-book, or e-audiobook. With its membership in the Roanoke Valley Libraries consortium, Botetourt County Library cardholders can borrow materials from Roanoke County, Roanoke City, and Salem libraries at no charge, delivered free to any library branch or satellite pickup location.
This February and beyond, rekindle the love for reading with Botetourt County Libraries!
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
