By Brooke K. Taylor
Rowan Public Library

This year, I challenge you to add reading to your list of new year’s resolutions. Setting aside time to read each day can improve reading accuracy for beginning readers, increase comprehension for intermediate readers, and expand the base of knowledge for advanced readers. Most young readers are told to “sound it out” as they begin their reading journey. Sounding or phonology is an important first step in the reading process. Parents can practice along with their children as they walk through the grocery store. Spelling names of cereals and sight-reading produce signs are potential real life reading games that can help all ages increase their reading level. Practicing every day is the best way to grow from reading to understanding and Rowan Public Library has lots of materials to help you practice.

Reading comprehension is more than just memorizing that D-O-G is dog or C-A-T is cat. Reading comprehension means that C-A-T stands for my furry little best friend, who meows when he sees me, likes eating soft chicken and greets me with a tail swish when I come home from school. Comprehending what we read takes us from symbols on the page to pictures in our mind and helps us make connections. One way to increase reading comprehension is to read aloud. Saying things aloud makes us think about what we are saying, what it might mean, and how it might relate to us. From signs on the highway, to books, poems and rap music, reading aloud can be fun for all ages.

Why? Because there is a beautiful rhythm in words and these words can help us to create pictures in our minds. When I listen to Jan Karon’s “A Light in the Window,” I am transported to the town of Mitford, walking down the street with Father Tim and petting his dog, Barnabus. I think about the words and understand the places and actions that happen within the story. Your Rowan Public Library has many audiobooks available through smart devices by downloading the Libby app and inputting your library card number. A myriad of titles that both entertain and educate readers are available almost instantly.

Education never stops and reading can help to broaden knowledge. From accessing a driver’s license manual to checking out cookbooks, or reading the New York Times online, reading is a valuable tool for anyone who wants to think bigger and learn more. And who doesn’t want to continue to grow smarter and get better with age? Reading can help you with that. At your local Rowan Public Library branch there are multiple formats and ways to access reading materials. The library staff are always ready and willing to help you, no matter where you are in your reading journey to achieve your next best level in literacy.

For more information about reading materials of all varieties, you can visit your nearest RPL branch, visit online at www.RowanPublicLibrary.org, or call 980-432-8670. So go ahead, and make that new year’s resolution list, and at that No. 1 spot, write R-E-A-D-I-N-G.