My idea of heaven – plopping my butt a beach chair right at water’s edge, waves lapping at my feet, seagulls flying overhead, and reading a good book against the background of ocean waves.  It really doesn’t get much better than that.

            And on the rainy summer days?  Plopping that same butt on a couch near an open window, and reading a good book against the background of gentle falling rain. 

            See the common thread?

            Summertime just equals reading time.  Honestly, ANY free time is reading time.  Recent research has shown that pleasure reading is the #1 choice of Americans for relaxing, and the escape it provides can assist in lowering blood pressure, building brain power, and aiding sleep.  And the best way to inspire your kids to read?  Show them that YOU enjoy reading. 

            It used to be that if you were an e-reader person, you could score your reading material much cheaper than those who liked to hold an old-fashioned book in their hands.  These days, they are all nearly equally expensive.  So how does an avid reader, or the parent of an aspiring reader, keep up with reading materials? 

            Mark your calendar for Wednesday, August 7^th.  Because on that day, from 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM, the Friends of the Cranford Public Library are hosting a used book sale at the library itself at 224 Walnut Avnue.  You’ll be able to choose from more than 10,000 children’s and adult books, CDs, DVDs, and recorded books. Prices range from $.25 to $2.00, except for vintage and autographed volumes, which are specially marked. How could you possibly beat that?  All proceeds benefit the library . . . and how could you beat THAT?!  It’s cheap reading for a good cause. 

            If you have books you’d like to donate to the sale, or have any questions, stop in the library, or give them a call at (908)709-7272.  And come out and pick up some good books!