We’ve all been there. It’s a place many of us visit, but no one really wants to stay.
You guessed it: the dreaded book slump.
The good news? There’s no single “right” way to build a reading habit, and sometimes all it takes is finding the approach that works for you. We asked our library team to share some of their tried-and-true tips for getting back into reading and creating habits that actually stick.
Make Reading More Accessible
- “If my attention span is short, I listen to audiobooks while doing something else or read graphic novels instead of longer books. Basically, don’t get hung up on the format—just pick whatever kind of reading works for you.” – Jamila
- “Reading multiple books at once! Mix up books of different genres, lengths, and mediums (like audiobooks). If you get stuck in a slump reading one book, you’ll have another to pick up.” – Zoe
Build Reading Into Your Routine
- “Pick a time of day to read when you’re actually willing to sit down and focus.” – Amanda M.
- “I swear by closing the kitchen early in the evening and reading in bed.” – Marguerite
- “I take the bus everywhere, so there’s just a built-in part of my day that’s reserved for reading and not much else.” – Kira T.
- “Making a cup of Evening in Missoula tea (or iced tea in the summer) always helps me settle in to read.” – Sharma
Create a Cozy Reading Spot
- “I have a dedicated reading spot at home. I keep a basket of my current reads next to a comfy chair, and everyone in the house knows to approach with caution when I’m parked there.” – Alexandra
- “Now that the weather’s getting nicer, I’ve been reading on my balcony. It’s a nice way to spend time outside and read at the same time.” – Izzy
Read Whenever You Can
- “Bring a book to appointments and read while waiting. You’ll probably be the only one in the waiting room doing it, and honestly, it feels pretty good.” – Eva
- “Carry books wherever you go! If you’re early or stuck waiting somewhere, pull out a book instead of your phone.” – Alina
Let Go of Reading Guilt
- “Read what you actually want to read! Choose books that excite, comfort, or inspire you instead of what you think you should be reading. And give yourself permission to DNF. You can always come back later, but life’s too short to force yourself through books you’re not connecting with.” – Ashley
- “Drop the book if you’re not hooked after 30 minutes. You can usually tell whether you’ll connect with the writing style and ideas by then—it doesn’t need a huge, action-packed opening to be good.” – Colin
