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NEWS FROM CCB LIBRARY FEBRUARY 2021 • ISSUE 1 • VOLUME 2
INSIDE THIS EDITION * Spotlight on... Reader’s Block * Suggested Reads * Brainteaser * Click and Deliver *
SPOTLIGHT ON... READER’S BLOCK Lockdown should have been a librarian’s dream – all that extra time at home just waiting to be used to wade through the piles of unread books littering the house?! Brilliant. Except for one thing… reader’s block. If you’ve been finding it harder than usual to concentrate on your reading, you’re not alone. Here are a few tried and tested tips that might just help you get started again. My go to top tip is to read an old favourite. For me, that’s usually something light and funny. You already know the story, so your brain isn’t having to put too much effort into read – you can just enjoy the flow and (hopefully!) remember why you enjoyed reading to begin with. Sometimes, you may just be bored of reading the same kind of things, so trying a new genre might help. Try swapping crime fiction for adventure fiction, for example, or make a complete change to non-fiction. It’s the content that matters more than the format, so why not listen to an audiobook while you tidy your room or exercise (see last week’s newsletter)? Don’t forget about magazines or newspapers, or for something more visual, try a graphic novel. Give yourself time: make an appointment to read! Between home learning, all the content on streaming services, getting daily exercise, the day can fill up pretty quickly. So schedule 20 minutes of time that you can read for – this might be before bed, first thing in the morning, or during a break over lunch. Get yourself comfy – whether it’s in bed, on the sofa or a nook under the stairs, find a spot where you can unplug your devices and settle down to read. There’s nothing wrong with snacking while you read – you’ll usually find me reading with a cup of tea and some Maltesers*. Don’t be hard on yourself! If it’s just not working and you’re not enjoying what you’re reading, put it to one side and try something else. You can always come back to it later. There’s nothing more likely to prolong a bout of reader’s block than forcing yourself to read something you don’t want to. Ask the library for suggestions – if you don’t know where to start, we’re always happy to suggest a few good titles that you might enjoy! *other chocolate available!