Reading a book is like making a friend

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I’ve read more than once that reading is on the decline. I find that to be incredibly sad. This does not only pertain to books, but to newsprint and magazines as well. Bookstores used to be part of every down town area. Some still exist and thank goodness for they are truly jewels that should be treasured. Unfortunately many of the “independent” book stores have been lost to the big chains which were supposed to be bigger, better and could offer more discounted books. The bigger stores also have cafes where you can grab a cup of coffee and a snack while you sink into one of the overstuffed chairs randomly placed around the store. The concept proliferated and soon we could find these retail giants across the country. But even they have not been able to keep up with the decline in reading. One particular chain has been steadily losing profits and will soon be gobbled up by their competitor. My concern is not with profits but what we are losing and will loose by not honoring the act of reading the printed page. Neuroscientists have shown that the brain needs to exercise that which it utilizes. Vocabulary is increased from reading. We not only see the words, but we see how to use them in a sentence. Yes, you can read on the internet, but the experience is simply not the same. It is meant to enable the “hurry sickness” which is so much a part of our stressed out culture. When we are reading from a book we tend to linger, to reflect on what the author might have meant- to daydream and utilize our imaginations as if we were part of the plot.

One of my fondest memories as a child was being allowed to walk to the library where I spent many hours wandering the aisles and then choosing the three books I was allowed to take out. It was never an easy decision but then I knew I could come back and choose again. Books have gotten me through many trials and tribulations. The have provided me with amusement, greater understanding of the human condition, and amazing learning experiences. They have been my friends in good and bad times. I encourage you and your family to take some time this summer to sit in a favorite spot and read. Turn off the cell phone, tell everyone to bug off, and go on an adventure that will enrich your mind and soul.

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Maureen Haughey said:

I am constantly amazed by people who say: " I don't read.". Many of them say it as if boasting! Well, folks, you DO read. All the time. You read road signs and (I hope) food labels and emails and text messages. Why not take the extra step and read a book? I'm certain you can find one that appeals to you. There are, most likely, books on emailing and texting that you could start off with.

November 17, 2008

Ann Freman said:

Loretta is so right again,with all the problems in the world a newspaper, certainly isn't what one wants to read,.I have been a fan of Loretta's for years, have the books, and vidios, that I show in retirement centers,, they are the lonely ,depressed people, negelected, but with the City of Cedar Rapids ,Iowa, where I was fortunate enough to avoid the big Flood recently, living on higher grounds, even my son's' City Bus Termainal, transportation for the city was destroyed, When Pema from Washington, showed up they said it was worse than the one in New Orleans, meanwhile forgot the city as far as support goes...which is said to be larger than New Orleans Flood,,,have to wonder what happened to this goverment, we have, to avoid helping the poor homeless people, what we have to do to get their attention...We had coverage for such a short time, now forgotten,after months of frustrated people, ,they are finally sending us the trailers,from New Orleans in sad shape...,which will not replace the entire downtown area, where the court house, banks ,etc were all destroyed,said it would take 3 years to restore, downtown alone..The new library was completley with out 1 book left , they are the 1 st to start to restore things....at work the past weeks.... WHERE ARE ALL THE FAMOUS PEOPLE, TO SUPPOSRT THIS CITY?? JAY lENO, HAD A FUND RAISER IN LAS V EGAS for 2 days, and a NASCAR driver donated his winnings to the cause.only...
I also have a problem with the books of Lorettas, I try to order through the stores, ,the 1/2 priced Store on Blairs Ferry Rd has tried mostly to get me the latest but , so far none, MY low income keeps me limited, since I help allot of the elderly, I myself am 84, Thak God for Loretta and her vidios ,and books, cause I kept my sense of humor,through out my life time of problems, and asked to write books, from doctors, to professionals,, When a doctor tells you ," I am his happiest Patient, I said you can Thank Loretta for that"..

July 26, 2008

Evy said:

Fond memories indeed. My city library branch was nowhere near your library (I grew up in Hamilton, Ontario), but what was with allowing only 3 books to be borrowed at one time? Not 2, not 4, but 3. The rules were a little more relaxed in the summer. One could have up to 7 and keep them for a month instead of just 2 weeks. I generally walked back every other day for 3 new ones. The adventure part was not just the reading. It was also being allowed to walk about 3 miles alone, crossing 3 very busy streets, all beginning at about the age of 7. A visit to the main branch in the city centre was a rare treat. I recently read in my hometown paper about plans to close two of the neighbourhood library branches. Fortunately, there seems to be enough opposition, even in this electronic age, to save the libraries.

July 25, 2008

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