In the past my reading goals mostly revolved around personal enrichment and preference. In other words, I read what I wanted, when I wanted and that was that. Pressure can sometimes suck the joy out of reading. It’s why assigned reading was always so painful for me (and I was an English major – go figure).
I’m still hoping to read for pleasure and fulfillment in 2020 with minimal pressure. But as I’m coming closer to getting my MLIS, I’m becoming more aware of the importance of reader’s advisory. I want to be better equipped to recommend books to patrons with a diverse array of interests and needs.
More importantly, I want to have titles on hand for reluctant readers. The most rewarding part of a librarian’s or teacher’s job is recommending a book to a child that sets his love for reading in motion. It makes you feel warm and fuzzy inside when it happens.
So, to be better at reader’s advisory, I’ve jotted down just a few general but helpful reading goals for 2020. Basically, I just want to branch out from my usual readings tastes. I’m not gonna put a number on anything. We’re keeping things low pressure, remember? 😀
So without further ado, here are my reading plans for the New Year:
- Read more adult non-fiction. Maybe it’s the escapist in me but I tend to gravitate towards fiction. It’s time to challenge myself and give non-fiction a fair chance. Time to face reality!
- Read more children’s non-fiction. I feel like this is an excellent way to brush up on your knowledge in general. The information in children’s non-fiction is generally concise and bite-sized. It’s a great way to learn a little about a lot of different subjects.
- Read more middle grade fiction. I find that I struggle most with recommending books to that 8 to 12 age range, when children are moving away from picture books and easy readers and on to chapter books.
- Read more in general. I’m surrounded by free books everyday. I have no excuses! While I don’t want to put too much importance on the quantity of books I read, I’d be thrilled if I can get to at least fifty by the end of 2020.
Happy New Year and happy reading, everyone! Are you setting any goals for yourself for the new year? While I don’t love setting my own reading goals, I do enjoy hearing about other peoples’. 😉
Pawsitive Reads 