As December unfolds, I'm thinking about new beginnings. Libraries are a particularly important institution for encouraging imagination, curiosity, discovery, and empathy. What better way to “start a new chapter” than by reading more than I scroll in 2025? Whether you're reading a physical book, devouring Graphic Medicine novels online, or listening to an audiobook, you're reading all the same.
Less scrolling and more reading in 2025 is my personal motto going into the New Year. Although I have the world of information at my fingertips, I feel discombobulated after spending countless hours scrolling on my phone. In those moments of swiping through all those reels, I may have laughed, cried, and furrowed my brow in confusion or anger - all in a matter of minutes or seconds. I exchange reels with my loved ones, hoping to share in the hilarity of expertly-crafted memes or viral videos. The dopamine hits keep coming and then the brain-drain sets in. I'm left wanting more as I scurry along on the hamster wheel.
Where scrolling leaves me depleted, reading fills me up with newfound clarity, understanding, and humanity. While engrossed in a book, Time's relentless march slows and finally stops. That feat is nothing short of magic. While reading, I experience my humanity through this profoundly contemplative act that is simple yet often forgotten. Books open portals into the lives of others if only I am willing to enter.
Each night that I read to my daughter, I reaffirm the powerful impact of reading. She is drawn into the story and asks poignant questions about the characters and their plight. Her little dexterous fingers excitedly turn each page. I listen to her chatter and am amazed at how she strings complex ideas together in a sentence. Seeing her interact with words and ideas, as well as show sympathy for others through reading is a proud parenting moment, for sure. I'm also learning to slow down and be patient.
That may all sound so dramatic, I know. And it is. Reading is just that powerful. As 2024 comes to a close, I have a renewed sense of commitment to books and to libraries as something worthwhile and, dare I say, sacred. Written, lived experience has always been something I have believed in, knowing stories take root and bloom unpredictably in the minds and hearts of the reader. One of the books that planted seeds in my heart as an 8 year old child was Black Elk Speaks. I didn't know then but I realize now that I derived my concern for justice and nature from reading that book. I still remember that 1988 edition with the shiny red and black cover, Black Elk portrayed as a corporeal apparition.
If you're also trying to read more and scroll less, consider checking out the Network of the National Library of Medicine Reading Club! The 3 selected books, based on what has been popular in 2024, are:
Each of the books linked above includes discussion questions and resources for hosting a book discussion if you so desire. Plug into your local public libraries to request copies of these titles for free! Your local public library may even provide ebook or audiobook versions of these books that can be read using an app like overdrive--a common ebook subscription platform used by many public libraries.
Hope you feel inspired to pick up a new book today and even reduce some of your screen time!. Happy reading, Banner friends!
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