You’d think choosing your next great read would be a piece of cake—but there’s a little anguish involved. Okay, minor anguish to be sure. I’m not talking to the TBR crowd (that’s “To Be Read,” for the acronym‑challenged like me). Those folks have so many books lined up that time is their biggest issue. I’m talking to the occasional reader.

Summer is a great time to dip your toes into some pages—or to wander back into long-form reading after your attention span has been hijacked by a screen. Choosing the right book can make all the difference. Not DEFCON 10‑critical, of course, but a dull read might put you off picking up the next one. This is where the Knox County Public Library comes in handy—we love welcoming readers back into the fold, even if it’s just for the summer.

Here are a few tips to get started:

No pressure. Read a few pages or chapters. If it doesn’t fit, put it down. Some folks might try to shame you for not finishing a book. To them, I say hush. I’ve started plenty of books that didn’t match my mood and set them aside—for another day…or forever. In fact, I just did that with the hugely popular James by Percival Everett. It’s all the rage, but I couldn’t get into it at first. Yesterday, I finished it—and I’m very glad I did. It lives up to the hype.

Browse the library catalog. It’s organized by genre, bestseller lists, age groups, and “If you liked this, you might like that” recommendations. One of my favorites is the Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the 21st Century (So Far) list—a great place to discover something memorable.

Join a book club. It’s more fun to read when you have people to talk to about it—and you’ll likely pick up a title you wouldn’t have chosen on your own. The library hosts book clubs all over town.

Ask a librarian. Reader’s advisory is catnip for a professional librarian. Call, email, or stop by a desk—we love helping match readers with the right book.

Try different formats. I’m an audiobook girl, but others swear by hardcover or paperback. Ebooks baffle some and delight others. If you crave the analog world, nothing beats the feel of a good paperback. Me? I’m a little too frenetic and tend to multitask while listening And let’s be honest—the narrator can make or break the experience. I highly recommend the audiobook of Theo of Golden—the narrator absolutely nails the accents. But you do you. Libby by Overdrive is the most popular app for downloadable books.

However you choose your next book, dear occasional reader, enjoy it. Summer is a time to relax, and reading can take you places without ever leaving your couch. In this economy, that may be the most affordable vacation out there.

Oh, and if you go all in, you can win prizes from the library for reading!

Mary Pom Claiborne is assistant director for marketing, communications and development for Knox County Public Library.

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