Reading aspirations

Some people choose to make a general goal of reading a certain number of books in a year with no specific type of book limitations. Whether it is 12, 50, 100, or more, this can be a simple, yet motivating, challenge for readers to achieve. Last year, I utilized the website/app Goodreads to track my progress and record the 76 books I read from January through December. This resource is a convenient option for readers to get book recommendations from strangers and friends, read and comment on book reviews and track books they have read or want to read. I highly encourage you to explore Goodreads if you have not already! When deciding my reading resolutions for this year, I considered my past goals and the various literary areas I have been missing out on in my reading. Staff at the Fergus Falls Public Library have also chosen their goals for this year to inspire others to take the leap and create their own list of reading aspirations for 2023.

Gail Hedstrom, Library Director: I am two steps closer to finishing Karl Ove Knausgård's six-volume series titled, "My Struggle." With only three volumes to go, I will soon meet my reading goal from 2022. I will continue with this goal until it is realized.

Katelyn Boyer, Adult Services Librarian: My reading resolution is to get back to reading during the day. In 2022 I did all of my reading at night, before bedtime. During the day, I want to put chores aside for 30 minutes and read first!

Deborah Zachmann, Library Assistant Circulation Services: My reading resolution for 2023 is to challenge myself to read outside my comfort zone with some biographies and nonfiction.

Kia Donais, Assistant Librarian: My new year's reading resolution is to read a book right away in the morning - before I can play Wordle. So far, I have used a word I read in my book for my beginning Wordle word each day. It helps the habit stay fun and engaging!

Krista Kugler, Children’s Services Librarian: I am keeping my previous year’s goal of reading 16 nonfiction books and adding a goal of reading 80 books or more throughout the year - an increase from the 76 books I read last year! My new resolution is to read a current adult, young adult, and children’s book each month to increase my awareness of titles published in 2023.

Whether or not this article has persuaded you to make your own 2023 reading goals, I hope you will still choose to incorporate reading into your year in some way. We have many books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers available at the library to assist you with your goals. Check our website, ffpubliclibrary.org, for our monthly book club and storytime programs as well! In the words of Lloyd Alexander, “Keep reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures that anyone can have.” A reminder that the Fergus Falls Public Library will be closed on Jan. 16.

Krista Kugler is the Children's Service Librarian at the Fergus Falls Public Library.