October is National Book Month. That’s right, an entire month dedicated to the importance of reading, writing and literature. And, whether you are a total bookworm or just diving into the wonderful world of books, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 fun ways to celebrate and enhance your love of books this month. 

• Join/Start a Book Club: Book clubs are a great way to connect with fellow reading enthusiasts, engage in conversations about your favorite books, share thoughts and feelings on stories and make friends. Book clubs are available in person and virtually to accommodate any schedule.  Check online, at your local library or independent bookstore to find a book club that works for you. 

• Attend Author Events: Most authors hit the road when promoting a new book and sometimes these events can be accessed virtually as well.  This is a great way to learn more about a specific author you enjoy, hear about their inspiration and creative process, interact with fellow book lovers and support the community. Follow your favorite authors or local bookstores on social media for more information on upcoming events.

• Host a “Bookish” Gathering: Similar to a book club, a “bookish” gathering can be a one time only event and chance to invite friends and family over for an evening filled with book related conversations.  Make it a themed evening such as the spooky Halloween genre or just share your latest favorites. 

• Start A Book/Reading Journal: One way to enhance your reading experience is to document your journey through a book or reading journal. This is a great way to reflect on the stories you have read, write down favorite scenes and memorable quotes, track your progress and boost your creativity.  Visit our homepage for some recommendations under What We’re Loving…

• Create a TBR List: A TBR list is an ongoing list of books that you hope to read (maybe in a particular time frame).  A TBR list can be just an ongoing list or categorized by year, month, author, genre, etc. If you are looking for inspiration check out our Book Section for the latest recommendations from our amazing contributors. 

• Visit The Library: There is nothing like the smell IYKYK!  Whether it's the local library in your area or the largest in the country, spending time at the library is a great way to explore new genres, borrow books and save some money, support your community or just have some relaxing downtime. It’s a great place to bring children to instill a love of reading and take a break from the screen time. 

• Shop Small: Supporting small, local bookshops in your area can have a huge impact. Spend an afternoon browsing and discovering some new titles and authors. Engage with other customers or the shop owner and find out about upcoming releases and events. If you cannot visit the actual store you can shop bookshop.org to make your online purchases. 

• Read Aloud: Reading aloud can have a huge impact and often give listeners an entirely new perspective on a book. Whether you are an adult or a child, it can add deeper meaning and insight to a story.  Many local bookstores host read aloud sessions for novels as well as children's books. It’s a great way to share the joy of reading with others and quality time together.  If you cannot attend a read aloud, try reading a favorite story each night as a family or before bedtime. 

• Participate in Reading Challenges: Reading challenges have certainly become very popular among book lovers across the internet.  You won’t need to look far to discover reading challenges with a variety of focuses.  Participating alone or in a group will encourage you to explore new authors, books, and more. 

• Set A Reading Goal: For those that like a little extra accountability, setting a reading goal could be a good idea. Although reading is most known for being a relaxing activity or hobby, setting a goal of how many books or pages to read can help remove distractions from finishing books and have you reading more than you ever imagined. Keep track in your reading journal and track your progress along the way.

Books have amazing powers to inspire us, broaden our minds, change perspectives or transport us around the globe. Spend a little time this month exploring your love of reading and sharing it with others. Happy reading!