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Off the Shelf: Get out of that reading slump!

Do you ever find yourself in a slump where you just can’t get invested in any of the books you read and nothing piques your interest? I have been struggling with a reading slump this fall, which is unfortunate, since this is the perfect time of year to get cozy with a book! When a reading slump happens to me I have several things I try to get out of it. Maybe you’ll find them helpful to get out of your next reading slump.

1. Borrow a stack of books from the library at your next visit. You can check out 50 items at one time on your New Ulm Public Library card; take home plenty of options so you have a backup in case the first or second book doesn’t strike your fancy.

2. Reread a favorite. I don’t buy a lot of books, unless I know I’ll reread them time and again (I don’t need a book hoard when I have the library!). Sometimes the easiest way to kick start my reading is to grab one of my all-time favorites from the shelf and reread it, or even just reread my favorite chapter.

3. Read other things. I love magazines, newspapers, blogs, and more. Sometimes reading shorter formats makes reading something new seem more manageable and keeps me reading while I search for the next great book.

4. Read about reading and writing. Every reader loves a good book recommendation. Sometimes just hearing about the wealth of great books available makes me want to settle down into a good book (and helps me figure out which one to read next)!

5. Listen to a book. An audiobook (either on CD or online) can be a great way to bust a reading slump. You also have the added bonus of being able to get through your household chores or a long drive while listening to an audiobook. The same goes for other formats; try a graphic novel or read a play or poetry instead of prose.

6. Take a break from reading. If you’re reading for personal pleasure it should be just that – pleasurable! Don’t force yourself to read something you hate; there are so many great things in the world and so little time to read them! Don’t make reading a chore if you can avoid it.

There are so many ways to get through a reading slump; don’t get discouraged! Stop by New Ulm Public Library and we would be happy to help you find a stack of books, audiobooks, graphic novels, and more to enjoy.

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