I often find myself asking, “How can I read more books?” Since starting work in libraries, my reading list has become a behemoth, overgrown with amazing content. The reality is that there will never be enough time for any of us to sit down and leisurely take in all of this fantastic material, especially if we continually wait for that perfect reading moment – that lazy weekend afternoon with nothing to do. A cup of coffee, a sun-drenched couch and hours of uninterrupted reading time. Sounds nice, right? But when does that ever happen? 

Now is the time to dispose of that delightful daydream and try out a few tips for consuming more literature. Test out a few of and watch your book count skyrocket.

1. Always have a book nearby.

Wherever you go, whatever you do, have a book with you. Always leave one in the car. Instead of looking at your cell phone while waiting in line, knock out a few pages. Stop eating meals alone and invite your favorite author to the table. In a waiting room? Continue the flow of that captivating book. 

2. Audiobooks are a commuter's best friend.

When you don’t have time to look at pages or are on the move, audiobooks are here to help. Liven up the dreaded commute with a new story. If you are just getting started with audiobooks, give yourself some choices. The book itself might be fantastic, but the audiobook's reader can be just as important as the content. Don't give up on audiobooks because of one boring experience.

New to audiobooks? Visit anythinklibraries.org/ebooks-downloads and click on "Audiobooks" to get started with a variety of services that allow you to download or stream audiobooks directly on your phone, tablet or other devices. 

3. Join a book club.

Book clubs are the perfect way to get you reading. They create accountability, nudging you to knock out a few more pages every night. Start your own with friends or join one of Anythink's book clubs.

4. Have multiple books going at once.

If you’re going to have one book with you at all times, you might as well make it three. Always be in the middle of one fiction book, one non-fiction book, and a graphic novel. So no matter your mood, you will have the content to fit it. Don’t feel like reading much? Soak up the pictures of a graphic novel. Need an escape? Dive into that fiction saga. Want to learn some facts or new skills? That's what nonfiction is for. It can be easy to confuse characters, but with three vastly different types of books, that problem shouldn't happen. Next thing you know: three books are complete. 

5. Turn off the tube.

Read in a room away from the television. The glaring black mirror of a screen silently screams for your attention. Make it harder to turn on your TV. Unplug it, keep devices unattached and don’t save your streaming passwords. The more ways you discourage yourself from watching TV, the less it will consume you and the more you can read. 

6. Read out loud.

An often overlooked activity that's versatile and perfect for all ages is reading out loud. Help build your child's vocabulary by reading to them as much as possible. In a relationship? Spice things up by serenading each other with pages from a romance novel or a collection of poems. While camping, pass a book around the fire letting everyone take turns reading a few pages. Grab some Shakespeare or another play and have friends take on different character roles. 

7. Visit the library – often.

Your local library is always a welcoming place. Spend as much time as you can there. The more you find yourself surrounded by books, the more likely you'll be to take in excellent content. Ask staff for book recommendations and find a cozy spot to get lost in the pages. 

Now, get out there and read as much as you can. For inspiration, remember the wise words of Arthur Read: "Having fun isn't hard when you've got a library card." 

Do you have tips for sneaking in more reading time? Share them in the comments below!