3 Ways to Read More Books

Thousands of new books are published every
day.  No one can keep up. Yes, you can take speed-reading courses and other
things but even then, the sheer volume of new books makes it impossible. In this
article, I want to give three ways that I'm using to add more focused reading
into my life. I'm always learning about books. I use these methods to acquire
and read books.









1. Learn to Use Your Public
Library



It is not practical to purchase every new book. I
find many people forget about or don't use their public library. Get a library
card then when you see an interesting book, get on your library website and see
if that book is available. In my area, I often find the library has acquired the
book and I can ask them to hold a copy for me. When I put a “hold” the library
sends me an email when the book is available to check out. Also my library sends
me an email when my book is about due to be returned (and possibly I can renew
if I haven't read it).



Also ask questions to the librarians about using
the library or locating a book you can't find, then listen to the answers. These
professionals are helpful and knowledgeable about books. Check out the services
of your library and begin to use them.



2. Listen to Audio Books in Your
Car



My library has an extensive collection of audio
books on CD.  Browse the section and select a couple of different titles. Try
the book and if it isn't exactly what you wanted, then try another one. I've
heard incredible audio books using this method in my car.



In the last few weeks, I've learned to listen to
audio books on my car's speaker system that originate on my smartphone. My car
has bluetooth so I'm able to continue listening on my car speaker system to the
same audio book that I'm hearing on my smartphone. Listening in my car as well
as on my phone, helps me move through the audio book even quicker than normal.
For example, recently I got on the hold list for Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX, and the
Quest for a Fantastic Future. I only had 21
days to hear this audio book but using my car and my phone, I finished it in
less than a week. The book was fascinating but uses the F-word throughout so use
caution if you get it.











3. Learn to Use Hoopla or Overdrive on Your
Smartphone



Hoopla or Overdrive are are free services from your library. Download
the apps on your smartphone and learn about these opportunities. There is a bit
of a learning curve to use them. Throughout my day I have some time at my
computer when I'm setting up my social media. I've found I can be listening to
an audio book on my phone as I do some of this busywork. In the process, I'm
consuming more books. I also listen to the book while I'm exercising.









I've written about this before (follow this link). After I read (or hear) an interesting book,
I add a review to Amazon, then paste the same review
on Goodreads. And often (not always) I
tell my social media connections about the review. This entire process takes
only a few minutes but it is my way of supporting and telling others (quickly)
about what I'm reading and learning from good books. Every author needs this
type of support—and you will build goodwill with other authors—and help the
entire community with this simple and consistent action.



I hope you will use these three ways to read more
books. If you have other ideas or methods, I'd love to hear it in the comment
section. May the days ahead be filled with more reading and learning from time
well-spent.