Jodi Delahunt Hubbell
As temperatures climb and daylight stretches into the evening, a beloved tradition emerges with the arrival of summer: summer reading. While the notion of assigned reading may conjure memories of school days, the allure of a captivating book transcends age and educational obligations, making it a cherished pastime for people from all walks of life. But why is it that we often associate summer with delving into a stack of books, while other seasons lack the same literary fervor?
Traditionally, one significant reason for the prominence of summer reading is the abundance of leisure time that accompanies the season. With vacations, longer days, and a generally more relaxed pace of life, summer offers the perfect opportunity to lose oneself in the pages of a novel without the interruptions of daily routines.
Summer reading holds a unique charm, with certain genres gaining popularity during this season. Lighthearted fiction, romance novels, and mystery thrillers are often favored choices, offering entertainment and escapism amidst the summer sun. These “summer reading books” transport readers to distant locales, introduce them to captivating characters, and provide the ideal accompaniment to leisurely afternoons and vacations.
Curated summer reading lists and recommendations from libraries, bookstores, and literary publications contribute to the phenomenon. These suggestions encourage readers to broaden their literary horizons and discover new authors and genres that resonate with their summer experiences. As a membership benefit, members of Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries (FOL) receive a monthly email highlighting new library acquisitions and, recently, all of the top 15 books in Publishers Weekly were available at SaddleBrooke Community Libraries.
While winter and spring may offer their own unique opportunities for literary engagement, it is the unmistakable allure of summer—the season of relaxation, exploration, and adventure—that makes it the perfect time to immerse oneself in the pages of a good book. As the days grow longer and the sun shines brighter, let us embrace the tradition of summer reading and savor the magic that unfolds between the covers of our favorite books. Your libraries have many of the latest top books available to check out, so when you’re ready for your next summer read, visit one of SaddleBrooke’s three libraries: DesertView, Cholla, or SaddleBrooke One, and find our next great read.
The Friends of SaddleBrooke Libraries, a volunteer-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is crucial in supporting SaddleBrooke Community Libraries. FSL members, through memberships, donations, and events, fund most of the new books, audiobooks, and DVDs acquired by the SaddleBrooke Community Libraries. They also sponsor a monthly lecture series, author luncheons, and other enriching programs. Separate from FSL, SaddleBrooke Community Libraries, also volunteer-driven, manage three library locations and a vast collection, including over 10,000 items in their online catalog. Explore and reserve books, audiobooks, and DVDs at www.sblibraries.com. Become a member of FSL and support the libraries at www.sbfsl.org.