The Corona Reading Post

No matter where you are, we've all been in this quarantine/isolation boat for a few weeks now.  Despite how introverted you might consider yourself to be, several weeks of this with no clear end in sight can definitely weigh on you.

While the list of sad and disappointing things that have gone on during this pandemic is never ending, libraries shutting down was a particularly tough moment for me.  I usually go to my library twice a week; I find true joy in picking out the books for my "holds" list, and I always enjoy chatting with the librarians when I visit.  Beyond my own personal disappoint, I know that so many other people in my community, especially elderly people, really rely on the libraries, and my heart breaks for them to have lost this important resource.

I know that nothing can truly make up for the services our libraries provide, but I think there are a few things we can do to try to get through this book-less wasteland:

• Libraries may be closed but you can always go through your personal library and re-read some old favorites.  While reading a book again might not be the most exciting choice, there was probably a reason you kept all those books on your shelf.  Going through an old favorite again can be really comforting and stress-free, which is something we all need right now.
• Ask your friends, relatives, and neighbors which books they have on their shelves that they would be willing to part with, at least temporarily.  While you should absolutely not use a book swap as a chance to break social distancing rules, as long as you follow the recommended precautions and take all necessary steps to keep everyone safe, dropping off a book on someone's doorstep should be a relatively low-risk endeavor.
• If you are going to buy books, I encourage you to seek independent book stores that are taking orders and shipping books out.  The shipping might not be as speedy as Amazon or Barnes & Noble, but placing an order with an independent seller could seriously help them to re-open once this is all done.  Don't be discouraged if there isn't an "indie" bookstore near you; the store doesn't necessarily have to be local to you, as long as they are shipping books, they should be able to send books regardless of your location.  
• If you have the means to order books, I'd also like to encourage you to send a book or two to an elderly person in your life.  Our older friends and relatives don't always have the internet access that's currently needed to be able to find a bookstore that is still shipping.  I promise you that a surprise book delivery would mean so much to them, and would go so far towards cheering them up during this difficult time.
• You can also consider E-books and audiobooks.  While these aren't my personal favorite ways to read, the different apps still have their full libraries available.  You also don't necessarily have to sign up for a paid service - check your library's website for free resources they offer.  If you have an active library card, you have access to all of those services!
• If none of these ideas work for you, you can always turn to your trusty TV!  They may not be books, but you can almost always catch a marathon of the Harry Potter or Hunger Games movies.  You can also check out Little Fires Everywhere and The Handmaid's Tale on Hulu, To All The Boys I've Loved Before and its sequel on Netflix, and Oprah's Book Club on Apple+.

We've got a long, tough road ahead of us.  If you can find some comfort in books, pursue that.  And if you're too stressed, sad, or frustrated to read, that's perfectly ok too.  Whatever you are doing with your newly-found free time, I hope that it brings you some happiness amidst all this darkness.