Westerly Sun Column | Looking for a Good Read? Try a Swimlane!

My bedside table is practically tipping over from my pile of unread library books, and I have numerous “to-read” lists, in various formats, that I keep handy, but — somehow — I still have trouble deciding what I should read next. It’s not as straightforward as simply moving on to the next book on the list … oh, no, no! I fancy myself a “mood-reader,” which I imagine many of you also are, so it’s important for me to find a book that perfectly matches the mood I happen to be in at that moment. I also can’t stand wasting my time, so I prefer to choose books that have been recommended to me by a reliable source. There’s also the possibility that I’m just highly particular and chronically indecisive, but, no matter! Regardless of the reason for my madness, I have a number of strategies to help me find my next book; if you’re anywhere near as indecisive as me, you may also find them useful.

If you are able to come in and visit the library, we have continuously updated book displays on every floor to highlight timely, fun, or highly recommended reads. The Staff Picks display on the first floor is always worth looking at, to see what your favorite library workers have been reading, and it contains a great mix of fiction and nonfiction choices. Our circulation department often displays recently returned and popular titles, too, which tend to include some fabulous titles. Finally, the “New Books” section is also great for browsing through, and includes “Express” titles (typically of more popular books with high-holds lists), so you can often find recently released, in-demand books there.

If you have a computer or mobile device, I highly recommend looking at Hoopla and Libby — two of our platforms for borrowing eBooks and eAudiobooks (among other materials). Each of these sites include “swimlanes” with themed book recommendations, which have been curated by library professionals. The swimlanes change often, but some of the recent ones include “It’s Me, Hi, I’m the Problem” (books with unreliable narrators), “Found in Translation” (translated novels), and “Dysfunctional Families” (which is probably self-explanatory). Even if you prefer physical books, this is a great space to get ideas, which you can then search for in the library! You can also check out our online catalog at www.westerlylibrary.oslri.net, which highlights new and bestselling books in various genres.

If you need even more of a push, check out one of the book discussion groups that meet at the library. The “Silent Book Club” meets on the last Wednesday of the month from 5:30-7 p.m., and the “Mostly Fiction Book Club” meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-7:30 p.m. The Silent Book Club encourages you to bring whatever book you’re currently reading, and members chat and offer their own recommendations. The fiction club chooses one book each month to read and discuss — thus removing the need for you to make any decision at all! Either one is sure to give you some great ideas, and hopefully some suggestions that fit your current mood.

by Cassie Skobrak, Adult Services Librarian