National Book Lovers Day is on Aukg. 9. What will you do to celebrate? The beauty of this made up holiday is that you can tailor it to your literary interests. The staff at the library is full of bibliophiles. We love to get wrapped up in telling stories about the characters that we’re reading.

In a digital world full of smartphones and games, it might take some extra effort for books and reading.  If the weather is nice, grab a blanket, some books and read, whether in a state park, on a beach or in your backyard.

The Summer Reading Program may be done, yet it’s the perfect chance to still enjoy the summer with a special day of reading. Have your own story time with your children, friends or neighbors.

There are a number of things you can do to celebrate on National Book Lovers Day:

1. Visit your local library – We would love to see you in the library on Friday, August 9 as you grab materials for your day. We are taking a hiatus this month from story times but check out the one that we have scheduled for Wednesday, August 28 with Teresa Peterson, author of “Grasshopper Girl”.

2. Reread an old favorite – If you’re in the mood for an old favorite, this would be a great day to reread it! I have to admit, I don’t go back to reread many books. There are way too many new ones out there and on the to-read list.

3. Organize your bookshelf – Whether your books are overflowing or you’re color coding spines, take the morning and beautify your books.

4. Give the gift of reading – I recently explored a wild book store in Minneapolis with a great collection of children’s books to gift to nephews and a niece. You can discover books everywhere – book stores, thrift shops, library book sales or corners. They’re all around. Share your love of reading with those around you.

5. Host your own book club with your closest friends or join one here at the library. We have fiction, history, mystery, and poetry reading book groups that meet at the library monthly.

6. Contact your favorite living author and let them know how their books have impacted your life.

7. Donate your books or your time to your favorite library, by volunteering or joining a local Friends group.

Whatever you do to celebrate the day, make sure to enjoy the last few weeks of reading outside in the summer days. We look forward, as always, to seeing you in the library!