By Melissa Chapman
Cataloging Supervisor

The month of August is filled with many days to celebrate. For example, Aug. 1 is Friendship Day. Aug. 4 is National Chocolate Chip Cookie Day. Aug. 7 is National Clown Day and Aug. 9 is Book Lovers’ Day. Aug. 9 is a great day to celebrate libraries and books.

If you want to appreciate Book Lovers Day, you only need to find a story and read it. Books are the purest form of escapism. They can take you to any time, place or culture. In honor of this day, we need to put away our smartphones unless it is used to read or listen to a book.

How can you observe Book Lovers’ Day? Join a book club or re-read a favorite novel. Share the joy of reading with young people in your life. Inspire them with your favorite novel or find out about the last book they took off the shelf. Read to the littlest up-and-coming readers, too. Shop for a new title to read or explore the shelves for one you would like to give.

Explore the shelves of used bookstores. You might find an out-of-print tome that might become the highlight of your collection. Discover the world of online bookstores. Their stock includes a variety of subjects and collectible items, too. Record a video of you reading a story for a child in your life. Randomly give a book to someone. Use the hashtag #NationalBookLoversDay and share your love for reading on social media pages.

Maybe a visit to your local library is in order. Your favorite librarian will love to offer assistance in finding just the right reading material for you. They can even help you gain access to the library’s online collection. Are you interested in learning a new craft or recipe? The library has got you covered. Do you want to read an inspirational or self-help book? The library can guide you in the right direction and can even assist with current events going on in the world.

No matter your preference, if you read it at home with a cup of coffee, share a book meeting with friends or go to the library and make use of the magnificent pieces on the shelves, just relish in your reading, revel in the book and find a way to read during Book Lovers’ Day.