My hometown’s library seems to be inhabited by two types of people. Grandmothers and children under the age of seven.

I remember going to the library when I was little, checking out stacks and stacks of books. It was completely unrealistic that I would ever read every single one of those books in the time before they were due (hence my many, many overdue book fees over the years), but my Mom let me do it anyway.

Back in the day, the library was awesome.

And since being home for the summer, I have realized something.

It’s still pretty awesome.

As explained before, I’m usually the oldest or youngest person there by a long shot, but I don’t care. The library is still awesome.

During the school year, there is no time to simply read. I read all the time growing up, going through multiple books a week. Unfortunately, when school starts to become more and more important, there is less time to read “for pleasure.”

I decided that this summer, I might as well take advantage of the extra time and lack of school work. Instead of wasting multiple hours on Netflix or watching TV, I’d much rather spend my time reading. In my mind, it’s definitely a better use of time.

Maybe it will keep me from losing all the information I just learned during the school year. Kind of like exercise for the brain, right?

Unlikely, but I’ll take what I can get.

With that said, I have been reading an obnoxious amount this summer and watching significantly less TV. I’ve been reading anything I can get my hands on.

I will often wander down the aisles of bookshelves at my library, picking out random books that catch my eye.

Everyone says don’t judge a book by its cover, but I am definitely guilty of this. Sometimes, it pays off, and you find a hidden gem. Other times, it's definitely a fail, and I end up returning the book before I’m even halfway through.

But that’s all part of the fun.

Sometimes summer can get kind of boring. I am used to the busy atmosphere that accompanies the school year, and some days in summer drag by.

Reading can help that. For me, I’d much rather get lost in a book than spend my time constantly checking the clock while watching some lame episode of daytime television.

Contrary to the popular belief of middle schoolers everywhere, reading is not lame! Go to the library!