Pflugerville librarian: Reading is fun for adults, too

When was the last time you read for fun?

Yes, I’m speaking to you – busy parents, hardworking students and those too drained by social media, the news cycles or family commitments to imagine doing much else. Do you remember when you opened a book to unwind? If your story is like many others in America, my guess is probably no, or, if you do, it was several months or years ago.

If you’re a former bookworm struggling to get past the first page, don’t feel ashamed; you’re not alone. Studies indicate that the number of American adults reading for pleasure has been steadily declining over the past several years. With our lives busier and more stressful than ever, it can be difficult to squeeze in time to read solely for enjoyment. And it’s not just finding the time. When you finally have the time to curl up with a book, it can be difficult to reconnect with the side of ourselves that enjoyed discovering and reading new books throughout our youth.

Enter the Pflugerville Public Library. While we’re proud to boast about our programs, electronic resources and facilities, we’ve never forgotten the glue that keeps a library together — books! With thousands of books within our walls and free checkouts with a library card, it’s easy to experiment and find a genre or author that works best for you, whether it’s a long-lost favorite or a brand new find. Below are a few ways to start your adult reading journey!

Visit our book list

You can get started on your new reading journey without even leaving your house. When you visit our catalog, visit the “Booklists” tab under the green “What’s Hot” section. Our staff have carefully compiled collections of books for all ages on varying topics, and we have lists for award-winning books, genre picks and more. And the best part is, you’ll already be in our catalog — so if you see a book that you like, you can place it on reserve right away.

Check out our displays

Our book displays are curated by librarians to help you find your next read. Usually selected by theme, season or event, our displays allow guests to find not only some of the most popular selections, but also new releases and books you may have never heard of otherwise. If you are looking for a refresh, stop by one of the displays, at the entrance of our children’s, teen’s and adult sections, and take a peek.

Ask for recommendations

Did you know that you can ask the librarians for customized book recommendations based on your interests? Visit our website to find our Book Bundles and Your Next Read forms. For book bundles, select one format (print, large print or CD book) and one category (fiction, non-fiction or adult graphic novel) and our adult librarians will select three books for you, and check them out to your account. For a Your Next Read form, you can fill out the form with your favorite genre, author interests and more to get an emailed list of recommendations from our librarians. Allowing our well-read staff members to select a new read for you is a great way to jump start a reading path that you may never have selected for yourself.

Check out electronic resources

Do you prefer listening to audiobooks while you commute to work? Or do you prefer to read on your Kindle or your phone during breaks? We've got plenty of eBooks and eAudiobooks available. Visit our catalog to check out our electronic resources, including Libby, Hoopla, Freading and more. (We also have audiobooks on CD in the library for those who prefer physical media.) Always preferred a physical book but willing to try something new? Because our electronic resources are free, you can try a new format with no stress; if you don’t like it, just send it back, no questions asked.

Wander the stacks

Guests are encouraged to take their time in the aisles, finding what’s right for you. We have card catalog computers available throughout the library to search key phrases of things that may resonate. Alternatively, you may consider browsing for a book that sounds good based on its title or description, then curling up in one of our comfortable chairs to read the first few pages. If you decide you don’t like it after all, no worries – just place the book back on one of our big carts when you’re done.

Join an adult reading challenge

Our adult librarians host reading challenges throughout the year. Right now, we are in the midst of our Summer Reading Challenge. We also traditionally host a Winter Reading Challenge during the cooler months and occasionally will have mini challenges in conjunction with holidays or events, such as the Hispanic and Latinx Heritage Month Challenge. Reading challenges are a great way to try new books while on a time-bound constraint to encourage you to get reading. Plus, we usually get distribute prizes, and who wouldn’t want a library tote, or mug?

We hope that we can be the conduit for you to reconnect with the part of yourself that enjoys reading. And if you discover a new book that you love, let us know!