Humans are the animal that tells stories. Ancient humans told each other stories to entertain, to teach, and to promote group cohesion. When reading and writing were invented, they became the basis for the progress of civilization. When invention of the printing press made books and literacy widely available in the 1500s, knowledge and civilization took another giant leap. Reading for pleasure as well as learning became an important use of our time.

          Free public libraries were invented in America to promote reading and have contributed greatly to America’s greatness. Reading is not only enjoyable, reading helps increase our knowledge, stimulates our imagination, improves our ability to reason, and strengthens mental concentration. But guess what! Reading is declining in America! People are relying ever more on (and some are becoming addicted to) social media, which tend to cause a shorter mental attention span, often fake facts, and a lack of critical thinking. Your public library can help reverse this troubling trend.

Make it a goal to read at least one book a month. Even better, join a library book club, which will encourage your reading and will be a fun and informative way to discuss books with other book lovers. Many friendships have been formed through book clubs.

         The Marble Falls Public Library hosts four adult book clubs: The Mystery book club, the Classics book club, the Monday (general reading) book club, and the Birding book club. Kids can get into group reading too with the Library’s Unleashed book club, which lets kids read to dogs! Kids love it! Finally, if you enjoy poetry (or would like to) the Library hosts the MultiVerse poetry program where you can hear and read great poetry (including your own).

         Check the Marble Falls Library website or ask one of the Library staff for more information about any of these book clubs. If you are a member of a non-library book club, the Library Friends will be glad to list it in our newsletter to help you attract new members. Talk with Library staff about joining or starting a book club. Book clubs are fun, informative, and a great way to encourage friendship.