Cracking open a good book,
listening to an audiobook,
or reading an e-book can
transport you to other worlds
– and benefit your health!
Research shows regular reading improves brain
connectivity, increases your vocabulary and
comprehension, empowers you to empathize with
other people, aids in sleep readiness, reduces stress,
lowers blood pressure and heart rate, fights depression
symptoms, prevents cognitive decline as you age, and
contributes to a longer life. It doesn’t matter the format
or genre – all reading is good reading and also good for
your health.
With the technology and resources available locally
through Calvert Library, it’s easier than ever before to
reap the benefits of reading.
All Calvert County Public Schools students are
automatically issued library cards. Books can be placed on
hold for pickup at any Calvert Library location online, and
the library provides free access to several apps for e-books,
audiobooks, and more.
“Calvert Library believes in the power of learning and
connection. Whether you’re reading to learn how to eat
healthier, reading to better understand your neighbors, or just
reading for a mental escape, it is all good for your well-being,”
said Carrie Willson, Executive Director Calvert Library.
Reading is Connection
For all age groups, reading and library events provide
opportunities for connecting with other people. Reading
to your child (or grandchild, niece, or nephew) builds a
stronger relationship, increases speech and communication
skills, enhances concentration, encourages a love of learning,
and more.
Calvert Library coordinates their
500 by Five program to encourage
caregivers to read 500 books to their children by their fifth
birthday to reap all these benefits – which equates to less than
two books a week for five years. There are storytimes for various
age groups of children at all four Calvert Library locations,
which provide connection points for kids and adults alike.
“It’s a real joy to take my grandson to Storytime, not just
to see him learning to love reading, but also for me to connect
to parents and grandparents with kids his age,” said Colleen
Cano, grandparent of a child who attends Storytime at
Calvert Library.
For adults, particularly seniors, library programs help
forge connection and interaction. Calvert Library provides
technical skills classes to seniors so they can learn how to
use technology to connect with loved ones. Brain Games
sessions at the library help adults keep their brains active with
challenging games. Crafting groups keep minds nimble while
providing time to socialize.
Double the Benefits
Double the health benefits of reading by getting outside as
part of the 2023 CalvertHealth 1000 Hour Challenge! Visit a
bookmobile stop in your neighborhood (scan the QR code with
your phone to see the schedule), read at a park, use the free
Libby or Hoopla apps to access audiobooks and listen while
on a walk, gather at a restaurant and dine outside to talk to
friends about books you’ve read, take books on your outdoor
adventures this summer to the pool, beach, or mountains.
BOOK Medicine Cabinet
Try out one of these books for your “ailments” and
visit this link for additional recommendations
catered toward young adults and children. All books
on this list are available to be placed on loan/hold at
Calvert Library.
Feeling Frustrated:
The Sugar Jar by Yasmine Cheyenne
Feeling Stressed:
Zen in the Age of Anxiety by Tim Burkett
Feeling Sad:
Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche
Feeling Unmotivated:
Carry On: Reflections for a New Generation
by John Lewis
Feeling Hopeless:
Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
Feeling Scared:
Life Will Be the Death of Me... And You Too!
by Chelsea Handler
Feeling Lonely:
Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
Feeling Bored:
The Power of Fun by Catherine Price
If you’d like a personalized list, answer a few questions
and a Calvert librarian will respond with a list just for
you. Fill out the form at
https://calvertlibrary.info/reading/book-suggestions-2/
(This information is not intended to be a
substitute for medical advice.)