How to Access Reading Materials

Accessing Reading Materials

Visit your local library. Public libraries offer free and unlimited access to remarkable collections of reading materials and other types of media and technology. Getting a library card is easy and usually just requires a photo ID, although some libraries may also require proof that you live in the area, such as a utility bill.

• Libraries are wonderful places to find a variety of books and librarians are there to help. Trained in how to most effectively help you make the most of your library experience, librarians are a resource you should not overlook. Ask the librarian for suggestions for books on a specific topic, or a more general genre, or to help you find a particular title.
• Finding materials that interest you is an important first step in improving your reading. Read the backs of books or the inside of the dust jacket for a brief summary of the plot. Usually, you will be able to tell right away if a book will not sustain your interest.
• Most libraries allow you to check out more than one title at once. Take home several books to give yourself a variety of reading materials to try.

Go to a bookstore in your area. Decide which type of bookstore can best suit your needs before setting out. Areas around college campuses and urban areas are more likely to contain a variety of bookstores to visit.

• Larger chain bookstores carry everything from self-help books, to novels, to academic publications. If you are not sure what you are looking for, this type of larger bookstore can provide many different types of reading materials to help you narrow your search.
• If your interests are more specific, look for a bookstore that caters to the type of book that appeals to you. Children’s bookstores are designed to offer a more relaxed and fun environment for younger readers.
• Buying from a small local bookstore is a good way to support local business in your community. You can find some unique books in these smaller stores, like work by local authors who have not been featured nationally
• Ask bookstore employees for recommendations. Usually, people who work in or own bookstores are there because they love to read. You will likely get a wide range of recommendations from them.

Check out garage sales or thrift stores. You don’t have to go to the library or spend a lot of money to find good books. Used books are available for just a few notes, sometimes even for the change you have in your pocket.

Check out garage sales or thrift stores. These offer easy ways to peruse reading material for interesting titles or collections. Sometimes people offer to sell off collections as an entire set.

• Be careful when buying used or second-hand books to check the book thoroughly before buying it for missing or damaged pages. Flip through the entire book to make sure it is not badly torn or water damaged.
• Feel free to negotiate on the price of a book or other reading material you come across at a garage sale. Sometimes the person selling the book is unaware of internal damage to pages that would decrease the price for the item.

Go online. You can easily find discount books or reading material on the internet, without even leaving home. You can also download e-books and other forms of media to take with you.

• Used books are available through most major online retailers. Used books are substantially less expensive than new, and most sellers provide an assessment of the state of the book in terms of wear and tear, and internal notations or highlighting.
• More and more information is available for free online. Find a website or blog that interests you and follow it. You can easily find blogs online that include book reviews, which could lead you to explore other books and authors.
• Consider getting a portable reading device for easy access to digital material. Although there is nothing like holding a book in your hand, digital devices make it easier than ever to carry several different e-books with you in one small place, which could save you from carrying around heavy books and magazines.
• Many public libraries now allow you to “check out” e-books for free for a certain period of time, such as two weeks.

SOURCE: wikihow.com

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