🎙️ Welcome to the Podcast Reading Initiative: Summer Edition!
Embark on an enriching journey that combines the joy of reading with the creativity of podcasting. This guide is your companion for the summer, offering:
Podcasting Tips: Step-by-step guidance to help you create engaging podcasts.
Recommended Reads: Curated book lists to inspire your discussions and recordings.
Resource Links: Access to tools and platforms to enhance your podcasting experience.
Whether you're a seasoned podcaster or just starting out, this initiative is designed to support and inspire you. Let's make this summer a season of storytelling and discovery!
Summer Reading Bookmark.pdf - for printing.
How I Started My Book Podcast (And You Can Too) (bookriot.com) – guide for members to follow. Make sure that you are engaging with fellow booklovers, such as library staff. It is also important to find a community of podcasters. Given that everyone in book club will be doing this, this is a space to share ideas and challenges that one may be having. Not all of this applies, as it is for a professional podcast, but it does help to have a microphone, which is fairly low-cost. It is also important to incorporate something unique. For example, Novel Pairings compares a modern book along with a classic book as the basis for the recommendation.
How To Start A Book Podcast (2024) | PodQuake – guidelines for starting a podcast. Obviously, this is not a formal endeavor, but some things can be applicable, such as choosing a theme and thinking about your audience. If you really want to go all in, you can think about artwork, add music, or link it to your social media.
24 Good Book Review Questions for a Book Report (whatshotblog.com) – questions to think about when formatting your podcast episode – general information questions, which may serve as a point of focus – setting, characters, etc. There are also areas to inset opinions and comparing the work to similar ones.
25 Book Review Templates and Ideas to Organize Your Thoughts (bookriot.com) – template ideas for structuring a podcast episode.
11 Ways to Format Book Reviews for Your Blog || A Guide for Book Bloggers - the wordy habitat – more ways to potentially format a podcast episode – like/dislike sections, thoughts while reading, etc.
Summer Reading Program | Lexington County Library - Summer Reading Theme - Color Our World. Beneficial across all ages, including in areas of literacy and language skills, creativity, connection, and thinking critically. There is also information on an app to track reading in their program - Beanstack. The program starts May 30th and ends August 1st. There are several branches of this library throughout Lexington County.
Summer Learning Challenge | Richland Library - on May 31st, Richland Library's Summer Learning Program. This can be tracked by time blocks of activities (30 minutes) or by the activities themselves. Prizes are given out, among them being a pocket flashlight, a tape measure, a pen, a squishy dog, a ticket to the Columbia Fireflies, a ticket to the Columbia Museum of Art, and an item from the Friends and Foundation Book Sale. For completing the challenge twice, you can donate to a local organization or nonprofit. Trackers are available. There are several branches of this library throughout Richland County.
Welcome | Saluda County Library | Saluda, South Carolina - Saluda County has a summer reading program that is geared toward kids, but the library itself has a lot of activities that are geared toward adults, such as a book club, a cookbook club, a puzzle swap, and several craft projects.
Summer Reading 2025 | Pickens County Library System - for those in the Pickens County area. This has an option for adults and there are various events that are hosted.
National Summer Learning Week - information on National Summer Learning Week, which occurs in July. Themes are literacy and learning, arts, wellness, health, and sports, STEM, and community and leadership.
Literacy Network | RIF.org ways to get involved in Reading is Fundamental, an organization that promotes literacy in young children through middle school. There are webinars, ways to volunteer to be a reader at an event, webinars, etc.
Try Our Printable, Scratch-Off Reading Challenges for Kids - marketed for kids, but this may be amusing to adults as well.
Sun-sational Summer Reading 2025 - list of book recommendations from librarians and teachers.
Books Unbanned - a library program that is focused on banned books. There is a report, a podcast, and a list of libraries that are providing access.
Summer Reading 2025 | Books to Read This Summer | Barnes & Noble® - list of books from Barnes and Noble's Summer Reading Program, many of which are available through our partnership with Pascal.
There are so many good books out there! Are you unsure of where to start? Try taking one (or multiples) of these quizzes to help you out on your quest!
Summers Off - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - this podcast focuses teachers, particularly what they do during their summer vacations.
This One Time At Summer Camp | A Podcast - a podcast from two summer camp employees about their experiences in the world of summer camps.
Always Summer Podcast - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - two best friends hosting a podcast on various topics, all meant to serve as a reminder that "summer is a 'state of mind.'"
Magical Overthinkers - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - a podcast on many different topics for those who are often in their own heads.
Animal - The New York Times - a nature-focused podcast that focuses on seeing the world through the eyes of animals.
About — Lore - Lore is a podcast that combines history with real-life horror stories, creating a "campfire experience."
Stuff You Missed in History Class | iHeart - another podcast on history that is on the lighter side. Deals with various historical topics, such as the origins of Halloween and the Civil Rights Movement.
The Blue Mind Method with Dr. … - The Wahl Show - Apple Podcasts
Talk+Water - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Home | History of Philosophy without any gaps - podcast on philosophy from great thinkers of time gone by and modern up-and-comers.
Podcasts - Episode Library Archives - Coffee Break Languages - podcasts that give mini-lessons (around 20 minutes) in various languages.
The Allusionist - podcast looking into the history of language.
Books, Beach, & Beyond - a podcast from the "Queen of Beach Reads" Elin Hilderbrand.
Beat the Heat With These Bingeworthy Beach Reads (and Pool Podcasts!) — Spotify - podcasts and audiobooks great for summer.
Introducing: Borrowed and Banned | Brooklyn Public Library - podcast discussing the history of and current state of banned books.
Poured Over Podcast | Barnes & Noble - podcast presented by the team at Barnes and Noble.
On the Lit Hub Podcast: Summer Reading and Writing Buddies ‹ Literary Hub - this is an episode from the Lit Hub Podcast that focuses on summer reading and writing.
The Lit Hub Podcast - Podcast - Apple Podcasts - Lit Hub podcast.
#370 The Ins and Outs of Summe… - The Lazy Genius Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Mother Earth News and Friends - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Our Numinous Nature - Sound By Nature - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Podcast: Nature's a Hoot - Hawk Conservancy Trust - Hawk Conservancy Trust
Protecting the Endangered Spec… - In Tune to Nature Podcast - Apple Podcasts
The 10 Best Book Podcasts to Listen to in 2024 | Podcast Review
52 Book Podcasts For Every Type Of Reader (buzzfeed.com)
Some book podcasts to consider and why:
“Annotated” is a podcast that looks into specific aspects of books – cultural impact, subjects relating to stories, etc. Annotated, A Book Podcast From Book Riot: Listen Now.
“The Penguin Podcast” asks authors to bring along objects that served as a source of inspiration – interesting to look into and possibly discuss. The Penguin Podcast on Apple Podcasts.
In “Book of the Day,” a brief synopsis is given, and the author is interviewed. Book club members could mention the questions that they would want to ask the author and why they would want to ask those questions. NPR's Book of the Day : NPR.
“The New Yorker: Fiction” features a reading. Obviously, we cannot have super long readings, members could read a passage and explain why it is so momentous. The New Yorker: Fiction on Apple Podcasts.
Like “Backlisted,” members could choose to focus on classic books. This may appeal to even those who have an interest in classics or who are learning about them in classes. Backlisted.
“Novel Pairings” recommends a modern and classic book. Members could recommend books based on current reads. Novel Pairings on Apple Podcasts.
There could also be a focus on short stories, such as “Selected Shorts” or poetry such as “The Slowdown.” Selected Shorts on Apple Podcasts, The Slowdown | The Slowdown (slowdownshow.org).
In “The Maris Review,” the host looks at the inspirations behind the books – what can you research to find out? What does the book remind you of? The Maris Review on Apple Podcasts.
25 Podcast Tips & Best Practices for a Successful Show (2024) (riverside.fm) - podcasting tips. Main focal points are consistency - structure, posting date, branding, etc., clarity - audience, purpose for podcast, etc., and research - topics, guests, experts tips, etc.
How To Start A Podcast, According To NPR Experts : Life Kit : NPR - great resource here. Walks through the process of podcasting and has plenty of helpful links for the specifics of podcasting. Some of these resources will be linked. Of note is the importance of podcasts being about what matters to you - answering who your podcast is for and why you are the right person to make the podcast. There is also the importance of formatting and writing a script that sounds like your normal voice.
Want to start a podcast? Read this first | NPR Training - good list of questions and do's and don'ts.
Which mic should I use? (Mics Part 1) | NPR Training - guide to mics.
Campfire tales: The essentials of writing for radio | NPR Training - good section on writing for radio - formatting, language devices, etc. Section - Fundamentals of Writing for Radio.
NPR Training + Diverse Sources Database | NPR - plenty of resources on podcasting and other listeners.
13 Podcasting Tips from The Expertmarketingagents.com) - podcasting tips from experts. Focuses on formatting, knowing your audience, planning, etc.
Starting a podcast today with Podbean
50 Essential Podcast Tips in 15 Minutes | Beginner Podcasting Guide (youtube.com) - 50 tips for what goes into putting a podcast together - topic that you are passionate about, equipment, metrics, etc.
Transom - A Showcase and Workshop for New Public Radio
Podcast Tips: 9 Tips for Improving Your Podcast - 2024 - MasterClass - MasterClass article with tips and a bit of interesting history - started with the release of the IPod - combining "IPod" and "broadcast."
In “Book of the Day,” a brief synopsis is given, and the author is interviewed. Book club members could mention the questions that they would want to ask the author and why they would want to ask those questions.
“The New Yorker: Fiction” features a reading. Obviously, we cannot have super long readings, members could read a passage and explain why it is so momentous.
Like “Backlisted,” members could choose to focus on classic books. This may appeal to even those who have an interest in classics or who are learning about them in classes.
“Novel Pairings” recommends a modern and classic book. Members could recommend books based on current reads.
There could also be a focus on short stories, such as “Selected Shorts” or poetry such as “The Slowdown.”
In “The Maris Review,” the host looks at the inspirations behind the books – what can you research to find out? What does the book remind you of?
Several podcasts focus on new releases.
Focus on audiobooks.
There are also podcasts that focus on diversity or a specific genre.
“The Penguin Podcast” asks authors to bring along objects that served as a source of inspiration – interesting to look into and possibly discuss.
One podcast focuses on the history of literature more broadly.
“Annotated” is a podcast that looks into specific aspects of books – cultural impact, subjects relating to stories, etc.
Pinterest – idea of rewriting the book – different character, different ending.
Since many of these podcasts have multiple hosts, members could definitely discuss these podcasts as a duo/small group.
All upcoming Online programs - Smithsonian Associates - this is a list of wonderful online programs that are offered as courses, lectures, etc. on a variety of topics.
Online Events | Smithsonian Institution - more online events from the Smithsonian.
Current Exhibitions | Smithsonian Institution - inside look at the various exhibits at the Smithsonian.
Collections | South Carolina State Museum - information on collections at the South Carolina State Museum.
Brain-Based Learning Games for Summer - TeachHUB - a list of activities that are good for all brains. This list was curated by an education expert and offers suggestions such as gardening, virtual field trips, etc. All of these suggestions are based on nurturing the brain.
More activities - Griffin Museum of Science and Industry - list of science projects you can make at home.
MasterClass Articles - MasterClass articles on a variety of subjects.
Summer Actvities | Newberry Chamber - this page has information on many different summer events that are happening around Newberry. They have information on the dates for the Grow Newberry Farmer and Artisan's Market, athletic camps offered by the college, events at PTC - such as courses on coding and Minecraft, art classes at the Art Center, and events at the Newberry Opera House, including a screening of the film Wicked.
NEWBERRY JUNETEENTH - Newberry's Juneteenth celebration.
Moonlight Movie Nights - summer movie nights.
Columbia, SC Events | Find Concerts, Festivals, Fairs & Races - calendar of events that are occurring in the Columbia and the surrounding areas.
Community Events | Lexington Chamber and Visitors Center - summer events in Lexington and the surrounding areas.
Past Exhibits | The Newberry Museum - information on past exhibits at Newberry Museum.
Special Exhibit | The Newberry Museum - "A Global Odyssey" is an exhibit at the museum that commemorates the city's first International Festival. This exhibit focuses on Newberry's international roots through immigration, artifacts brought by settlers, and more.
Newberry, SC - list of parks to enjoy around the community.
South Carolina Writers Association - Events Calendar - virtual events through the South Carolina Writer's Association.
Literary Events You Can Attend From Home - Insightful Reading by Bookly - list of virtual book events. Check to verify dates and times.
Charleston Literary Festival - information on the Charleston Literary Festival being held in November.
SC Book Festival - SC Humanities - held in Columbia.
Read Freely Fest - held in Columbia in Spring.
Find a Park (U.S. National Park Service) - list of national parks and information on them.
Congaree National Park (U.S. National Park Service) - only national park found in SC. It is known for what are called "state champion" trees, a boardwalk, and fireflies. A deep dive into events/a history of the park is located at the link.
Summer Season - NPS Commemorations and Celebrations (U.S. National Park Service) - events specific to summer and suggestions for summer activities at the park - Junior Rangers, beaches, etc.
Park Finder | South Carolina Parks Official Site - state parks in SC. Further information - history, park passports, etc. are found on the main website.
Camping | South Carolina Parks Official Site - information specific to camping in our state parks.
The 10 Best Book Podcasts to Listen to in 2024 | Podcast Review
52 Book Podcasts For Every Type Of Reader (buzzfeed.com)
Some book podcasts to consider and why:
“Annotated” is a podcast that looks into specific aspects of books – cultural impact, subjects relating to stories, etc. Annotated, A Book Podcast From Book Riot: Listen Now.
“The Penguin Podcast” asks authors to bring along objects that served as a source of inspiration – interesting to look into and possibly discuss. The Penguin Podcast on Apple Podcasts.
In “Book of the Day,” a brief synopsis is given, and the author is interviewed. Book club members could mention the questions that they would want to ask the author and why they would want to ask those questions. NPR's Book of the Day : NPR.
“The New Yorker: Fiction” features a reading. Obviously, we cannot have super long readings, members could read a passage and explain why it is so momentous. The New Yorker: Fiction on Apple Podcasts.
Like “Backlisted,” members could choose to focus on classic books. This may appeal to even those who have an interest in classics or who are learning about them in classes. Backlisted.
“Novel Pairings” recommends a modern and classic book. Members could recommend books based on current reads. Novel Pairings on Apple Podcasts.
There could also be a focus on short stories, such as “Selected Shorts” or poetry such as “The Slowdown.” Selected Shorts on Apple Podcasts, The Slowdown | The Slowdown (slowdownshow.org).
In “The Maris Review,” the host looks at the inspirations behind the books – what can you research to find out? What does the book remind you of? The Maris Review on Apple Podcasts.
Sarah Koenig - Sarah Koenig: Host & Co-Creator of Award-winning Podcast SERIALThe Steven Barclay Agency, Inc.
Levar Burton - Explore LeVar's Universe (levarburton.com)
Andrew Limbong - Andrew Limbong : NPR
Brene Brown - About Brené | Brené Brown (brenebrown.com)
Glennon Doyle - Home - We Can Do Hard Things - The Podcast (wecandohardthingspodcast.com)
Jay Shetty - Home | Jay Shetty
Kara Swisher - On with Kara Swisher on Apple Podcasts
Hallie Rubenhold - Hallie Rubenhold – Author | Broadcaster | Historical Consultant
This is a space of support and ideas for the summer months for our Podcast Reading Initiative. Here you will find resources for starting a book podcast, book and other podcasts to explore, book recommendations, and general news and events happening throughout the summer.
Things to consider including in your review-
Reading selections to consider-
Bonus tips-
Vocaroo allows you to share audio recordings via embed codes, but you'll first need to record or upload your audio and then grab the unique share link.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vpJ1OABiPFU – brief video about a day in the life as a podcaster. Talks about a typical workday and it also features a podcast interview where she discusses her work in advocacy.
20 best places to get royalty-free music for podcasters - Resound – information on music, should one choose to use it. Tips for what to do and what not to do and when to put it into the podcast. There are several free websites and ones that you can pay for, but they also have free trails. There are then examples of good use of music and podcast.
Podcast Sound Effects: How to Find and Use Them in Your Show (castos.com) – information on getting podcast sound effects – copyrights, royalty-free options, public domain, and fair use. The article also notes the types of sound effects – a stinger or bumper, a sweeper, and a transition. The rest are just called effects. Each effect is described (a bumper is music that often has a voiceover) and recommendations are made as to where the effects can serve well (a bumper is better at the beginning or end of the show, or between segments. There are also some options for fee sounds and the option to create your own.
Is The Podcast Club The New Book Club? (forbes.com) – we may be moving in the right direction. Reading can be isolating and time-consuming, while podcasts can bring a sense of connection to the person speaking and they can be listened to at the same time as other tasks, such as cleaning or exercising. This could also be an avenue for members to consider audiobooks.
Hiking:
Trail Correspondents - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Stories From The Trail - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Out There: Exploring big questions through intimate stories in the outdoors
Gaze At the National Parks - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
American Field Trip: A National Parks Podcast | Podcast on Spotify
Radio Headspace on Apple Podcasts - mindful tips and reflections from those associated with the Headspace App.
Short Wave on Apple Podcasts - short (around 15 minutes) science podcast.
The Pulse on Apple Podcasts - longer science podcast from NPR.
You Are Not So Smart on Apple Podcasts - podcast linking psychology and self-delusion.
Stuff You Should Know on Apple Podcasts
Womanica on Apple Podcasts - notable women in history.
Making Gay History | LGBTQ Oral Histories from the Archive on Apple Podcasts - topics and notable people in the LGBTQ+ community.
You Must Remember This on Apple Podcasts - history of 1st-century Hollywood.
99% Invisible on Apple Podcasts
This Day In Esoteric Political History — Radiotopia
The Podcast — Lore (lorepodcast.com)
Blackbelt Voices on Apple Podcasts
You're Wrong About on Apple Podcasts
Radiolab: Podcasts | WNYC Studios | Podcasts
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing on Apple Podcasts
Humanities Radio: Day of the Dead on Apple Podcasts – episode of Humanities Radio that deals with the holiday as well as personal experience of he host.
Podcast: Day of the Dead | History Today – myths around holiday.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/day-of-the-dead-meditation-a-celebration-of-life/id1472106563?i=1000584070387 = meditation on the holiday.
Darknet Diaries on Apple Podcasts
Your Undivided Attention on Apple Podcasts
Twenty Thousand Hertz on Apple Podcasts
The Lazarus Heist on Apple Podcasts
Revisionist History Podcast - Malcolm Gladwell Podcast - Pushkin Industries
Sounds Like A Cult Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard | Podcast on Spotify
Geek's Guide to the Galaxy - A Science Fiction Podcast Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
The Allusionist Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Criminal | A Podcast About Crime (thisiscriminal.com)
Bone Valley Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Cold Podcast - The Complete Untold Stories (thecoldpodcast.com)
The Clearing | Podcast on Spotify
Dr. Death Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Maintenance Phase Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Hidden Brain Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
The Infinite Monkey Cage Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Houston We Have a Podcast Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Science Rules! with Bill Nye Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
The Diary Of A CEO with Steven Bartlett | No.1 Podcast
Podasts — ADAM BUXTON (adam-buxton.co.uk)
Bandsplain Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
BBC Radio 4 - Desert Island Discs - Available now
Kermode and Mayo's Film Review Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
New Episodes & Show Notes — You Must Remember This
The Director's Cut - A DGA Podcast
Lights Camera Barstool Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Shrink The Box Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts
Marigold Breach starring Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto Podcast Series – Apple Podcasts
Season One — The Bright Sessions
Welcome to Night Vale Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Nice Try! | Podcast on Spotify
Noble Blood Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Something True - Idle Thumbs Network
Dan Carlin's Hardcore History Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
The Food Chain Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
A Hot Dog Is a Sandwich Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Gastropod - Food with a Side of Science & History
My Wakeup Call with Dr. Mark Goulston
The #1 Mental Health and Self-Improvement Podcast | The Big Silence – the-big-silence
Spiraling with Katie Dalebout and Serena Wolf Podcast Series - Apple Podcasts
Podcasts | Actuate Microlearning
TED Talks Daily - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Every Little Thing - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
The Daily Stoic - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
The Lazy Genius Podcast - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Grammar Girl Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Here's Where It Gets Interesting - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Curiosity Weekly - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
Why Community Engagement Matters — Research — Department of Agricultural Economics, Sociology, and Education - community engagement involves everyday citizens playing a role in the projects and policies that affect them. Taking part in community decisions helps to ensure that initiatives are well-received by the public. It also helps in establishing communication skills and ability for people of different backgrounds come together. This helps give people an inside look into how policy is shaped, increasing trust in leaders. Through community engagement, all of the options are laid onto the table. All of this is essential in creating an informed public with agency.
Community Engagement Matters (Now More Than Ever) - this has a list of resources for improving community engagement that are worth exploring.
Social Connection | Social Connection | CDC - community engagement and events throughout the community contribute to social connection, which is important for overall well-being. Social connection involves the size and diversity of one's circle and one's role in it, what these relationships serve as, and those positive or negative qualities. Social connection gives a feeling of belonging, which is essential in preventing problems like anxiety and chronic illness, like heart disease. There are then a list of places where social connection can be nurtured, such as parks or churches, and there is importance based on creating safe spaces for connection to be made.
Human Connection: Why It's Important I Psych Central - human connection is a sense of closeness and belongingness to a certain group. It is based on interacting with a group and positive feelings associated with it, such as feeling heard and not judged. The benefits on overall health and well-being are in the literature, as a study conducted in 2018 found loneliness to be associated with depression, poor sleep, and cognitive decline (Social Isolation and Mortality in US Black and White Men and Women | American Journal of Epidemiology | Oxford Academic). Another study found that loneliness also bumped up mortality rates, even higher than smoking and obesity (Social relationships and physiological determinants of longevity across the human life span | PNAS). Loneliness has also been found to be a risk factor for many other problems, such as negative lifestyle choices or immune system problems. Connection helps us to express our emotions, which releases neurotransmitters, such as dopamine into the brain. There is then advice on how to get involved in the community, such as joining a club that meets regularly or connecting over common interests.
The importance of connections: Ways to live a longer, healthier life | Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - "social prescribing" is brought up here, which involves a medical professional prescribing a community resource to help a patient. These resources can take many different forms, from volunteering to art classes. A researcher in this piece has actually started the Foundation for Art and Healing which offers Project UnLonely, which allows for connection through the arts, with the leader of the initiative noting that art rewires the brain. "Prosocial behavior" involves behavior that benefits those around you and can lead to health benefits for the individual doing the behavior, leading to a longer life span and, in the case of seniors in a study, better memory and increased mobility. Benefits can also be applied to having a faith practice, especially when one regularly attends religious services. These same benefits can also be applied to the work environment, specifically when dealing with relationships in the workplace and policy.
UnLonely Project - The Foundation for Art & Healing
3 Unexpected Benefits of Reading for Pleasure as an Adult - Upstream Prevention, Inc. - this piece focuses on the benefits of reading for pleasure as an adult. An assistant library director points to adults reaping the same benefits that children do. Reading is pointed to as a measure of stress-relief and self-care. Reading can also be beneficial for grammatical skills, vocabulary, decision-making, and understanding of different cultures. Reading can also lead to more empathy and creativity from being in another character's shoes. It also helps with cognitive engagement, which can help our brains as we age. It also helps people to improve on themselves, as reading involves learning something new. There is then advice given to get back into reading if one has fallen out of it, such as through audiobooks and through the use of a book recommendation service. There are also ideas for utilizing the local libraries.
Social Prescribing USA - this website contains information on social prescribing, which emphasizes healing through connection, which is essential during the summer and can be practiced more in the summer months. This practice involves prescribing community activities at minimal cost to the patient. This can include activities such as book clubs. On the website, there are resources such as books, a blog, and allied organizations that may be of further interest.
Rx for Community Wellness: How Social Prescribing Can Empower Libraries to Boost Public Health - Public Libraries Online - this article is an exploration of how public libraries can serve as social prescribers through the connections that they foster. In fact, the Surgeon General pointed out the integral role of libraries to promote overall health for the community. In England, where social prescribing got its start, libraires are an integral part of social prescribing, as through promotion of activities and with "link workers," which coordinate with library staff to facilitate social prescribing. There are many ways that the U.S. can get involved, such as through providing support to local events through flyers or through hosting events.
The Importance of Summer Reading: Public Library Summer Reading Programs and Learning - this is an annotated bibliography curated by the New York State Library that has several article looking into the effects of the "summer slide" and how the library can be a resource for learning over the summer. Some of these articles are linked.
Get Serious About Summer Reading | NEA - toolkit from the National Education Association on summer reading. This a list of resources that is more geared towards kids and can be useful for those looking to go into education.
5 Reasons to Read Outdoors This Summer - Gwinnett County Public Library - reasons to read outside this summer. Besides the obvious benefits of reading, being outdoors can be good for your mood and overall well-being and for your sleep, as light helps to regulate our sleep rhythms.
Know the advantages of adult summer reading | Community | ktbs.com - summer reading is important for adults' overall well-being, but can also serve kids, as kids are more likely to pick up a book when they see adults reading. Reading can also help adults professionally, as it helps to expand the mind and also helps with writing and conversational skills.
25 Examples of Reading Goals for Adults 2025 (With PDF Tracker) - a list of reading goals for adults to consider in the summer and year-round.
15 Reasons Why You Should Listen To Podcasts - with our focus on podcasting, it is important to note the benefits of listening to podcasts. Podcasts can be listened to anywhere and are a great way to expand horizons. There is a diverse range of topics covered, and podcasts are great opportunities for further learning about a topic of interest or an entirely new topic. Podcasts can serve as a source of entertainment, an opportunity to grow, and a source of news. It can also help in improving listening skills, as close attention is required to what the hosts and guess are discussing. Podcasts can also help to expose people to diverse views and opinions. Hearing all of these new ideas helps you to come up with new ideas, helping flex the creative muscle. Certain podcasts can also help reduce anxiety and stress, such as guided meditations.
15 Benefits of Podcasting | Why You Must Start a Podcast & Free Guide - benefits of hosting a podcast. Podcasts reach a wide variety of audiences, with 2023 seeing 150 million podcast listeners. It has also been found that characteristics among listeners are extremely varied, such as age and gender. It is even possible to reach people across the globe. Podcasts are also "long form," which means that one does not have to be constrained by time limits. This also helps to establish a personal brand and establish a community of people that are interested in your content. There is then information on creating engaging podcasts.
Podcast Benefits: Why Listening to Podcasts Is Good For Your Brain - brain benefits of listening to podcasts. Podcasting has become increasingly popular with people. According to statistics at the time of this writing, 55% of Americans had listened to at least one episode of a podcast and 37% said they listened to podcasts monthly. Consuming information activates the mesolimbic pathway in our brain, which is also known as the "reward pathway" where dopamine is released. A 2016 study found that listening to narrative stories, such as podcasts, has been found to affect the brain in various ways, such as through endorphins being released when listening to comedy. Meditation podcasts are known for activating your brain stem, hypothalamus, and auditory cortex. In these brain centers, oxytocin is released, which has been found to build empathy and trust, but also to help relieve stress and anxiety. Meditation podcasts can also help with focus and productivity. True crime allows the medulla oblongata to produce adrenaline in response to suspenseful stimuli. This activates the fight-or-flight response, giving that feeling of a rush. This also activates the pituitary gland, leading to the release of endorphins, which work in the brain similarly to opioids. Other feel-good neurotransmitters get released here too, serotonin and dopamine, which help you to enjoy the feeling of fear you get. Comedy podcasts help in activating the frontal lobe, which helps decipher a joke, and the cerebral cortex, which allows for laughter, surprise, and delight. Enjoying comedy also helps to reduce the stress hormone cortisol.
7 Soothing Health Benefits of Listening to Podcasts - You Must Get Healthy - further health benefits of enjoying podcasts. In addition to the mental health benefits of a better mood and less anxiety, which benefit the body as well as the mind, podcasts can be useful in other ways. In listening to information, the brain is expected to concentrate and focus.
9 Benefits of Hiking - with summer approaching, it is a great time to consider getting outside and hiking. There are many health benefits to doing this. One can hike with nothing to carry on the back for a lower body workout or with a backpack to work the whole body. Obviously, hiking is beneficial in getting exercise and spending time in nature. Hiking can be helpful for the heart by making it stronger and improving circulation through exercise. This has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease. Physical activity also helps in improving oxygen consumption, which affects how the heart pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the muscles. All of these factors help in one living longer. The same good effects can be found with blood pressure, which can have a drop as significant as medications. It is also of benefit for medical conditions like diabetes, as it can help with lowering blood sugar and increasing insulin sensitivity. It can also help with burning calories for those who are obese. The effects are also mentally beneficial too, as being in nature has been found to improve overall well-being. A doctor interviewed for this article notes that green is a color that is calming and helps the fight or flight response to relax. Moving also releases endorphins, making one feel good, and making one more sensitive to serotonin and norepinephrine, which helps reduce depression. Hiking can also help in improving sleep, as being outdoors helps regulate Vitamin D, which is important in the sleep-wake cycle. It also increases the body's temperature which, upon reduction, can send people to sleep. Hiking also helps with better bone density and strengthening of the muscles. In cases of arthritis, particularly in the knees and hips, hiking can be a great low-impact exercise, as you are carrying less of your body weight when you walk. Balance also is helped out here, as adjusting to the various terrains and changing center of gravity helps one practice this.
Benefits of Hiking - Trails & Hiking (U.S. National Park Service) - this source from the National Park Service points out similar benefits, as well as the benefits of hiking in a group or with a partner. It is found that hiking helps in building better relationships with others, whether that be through conquering a challenging trail or hanging out in nature.
Health Benefits of Being Outdoors: 8 Ways Nature Can Boost Wellness - with summer coming up, there is more daylight and warmer temperatures, making it an ideal time to be outdoors. More time in nature has many health benefits, physically and mentally. Being outdoors for around 2 hours (120 minutes) per week is enough for people to reap the benefits of nature. it helps with building a better respiratory system, as air pollutants are on the downward swing outdoors, with there being 2 to 5 times less outdoors than indoors. Those who had more access to fresh air were 34% less likely to die from respiratory problems. Open air, such as that found in a field, is more beneficial than being outside, but surrounded by skyscrapers. Spending time outdoors can also help in regulating sleep, as our circadian rhythm works in tandem with light. In the morning, the sun signals that it is time to wake up, while the darkness of night signals that it is time reset and sleep. The key is to let the light hit your eyes. As far as mental health benefits go, nature can be good for coping with depression, especially low mood and fatigue. Some think this is because of the Vitamin D it provides, while others point to the sleep benefits. Light is used in treatment of depression in the clinical setting as well. Nature can also help you ensure that you are building good habits, such as developing exercise routines in green spaces. It is also important to note more time walking outside, it will make you more able to exercise. Nature can also serve as a breather, taking one away from the screens and other things that can serve as stressors. Nature can also help in preventing illness due to microorganisms in the air to practice with and air circulation. Near-sightedness can also be prevented while the eye is growing, as it is posited, the eyes look at things from different vantage points and you have reflections from the sunlight. Dopamine also is released into the eye, helping improvement as other scientists sat. Overall, nature helps people to feel better, increasing those positive feelings. There are suggestions for activities the book, such as stargazing.
12 Best Outdoor Literacy Resources for Reading in Nature That Awaken Wonder - Paths of Learning - another fun summer activity. This resource has ideas for enhancing the reading experience outside, such as weatherproof objects and story time in nature.
Blue Mind - Humans Deep Connection With Water - summer is a time for being near the water, whether that be lakes or the ocean. This sense of well-being that is often found near water is known as "blue mind." This idea came from marine biologist Dr. Wallace Nichols. He notes the many benefits that come from being near the water and the very fact that we are so drawn to it, as we come from water and are made up of it. 65% of the body is made of water and 75% of the brain is made up of water. Scientists have found that the ions in the atmosphere are responsible for releasing the neurotransmitter serotonin and reducing blood lactate levels, which helps reduce stress. The release of feel-good dopamine and oxytocin and the reduction of cortisol have been found in neuroimaging studies as well. The source also notes the phenomenon known as "red mind," a state of mind that releases dopamine. When we are we are scanning the environment for new things, we can see the benefits of this soft attention.
The Blue Mind Movement | Wallace J Nichols - the official source from marine biologist and author Wallace J. Nichols.
.'Blue Mind': Why being near the water makes you happy - interview with the author. He notes that being near water puts one into a "mildly meditative state." He often life to asked people, "What's your water?" This question examines the water that has been influential in shaping a person's identity. In addition to relieving anxiety and stress, it is being used to treat a great number of conditions from PTSD to autism to addiction. Being near the water also helps to better conversations with others and to boost creativity. Experimentally, people who were shown images of water had a positive reaction compared with other images.
The Science Behind How Just Being Near Water Can Help Mental health — Even Virtually - Headlight - people have been using water as a balm for the struggles of life for millennia, such as with the ancient Greeks, as they sought out hot springs to feel better. Being around water allows people to use their brains in different ways. For example, observing the movement of water is a way to create a sense of focus. The overall effect of water is also very calming. Water also offers physical health benefits if it is engaged with through swimming. Swimming helps with muscle strength, endurance, and your heart rate. Saltwater and freshwater bodies both apply here and, if you are not near a body of water, watching or listening to online clips of water also has benefits.
8 Reasons Why Being In, On or Around Water Makes You Feel So Good - Women + Waves - this source focuses on other ways that water is therapeutic. Water is immersive, as it can be experienced with all of the senses, making for a mindful experience. Water also helps to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps in producing a calming effect, as being in water helps to slow heart rate, lower blood pressures, and stimulate digestion. The color is also useful, as the wavelength of blue helps to calm the mind and it recalls all of the blue that we have evolved around. Water also features what is called "pink noise," which is a combination of all the sound frequencies an ear can hear. The sounds are waves crashing, pebbles being pulled with the tide, etc. Water also helps to reduce the amount of hormones that activate the "fight or flight" response, to a level that is similarly found during meditation. Some scientists believe that water changes surrounding particles to rid them of negative ions in the atmosphere.
Online Learning Platforms: The Different Types And Their Benefits – Forbes Advisor - online learning platforms have grown in recent years, as they make education and connection possible for the masses. Learning destination sites give access to a variety of courses in one place. Examples of these platforms are Udemy, which has a variety of video-based courses, and Khan Academy, which offers courses for many different grade levels in different subjects. A learning management system is not public interfacing but is managed by groups that release content either for a fee or on an open-access basis. Blackboard and Canvas are examples of these. Learning ecosystems can be thought of as combining these two forms, but they also take into account an organization's culture, development strategy, etc., and are typically only available to members of the organization. There is a list of further platforms to explore.
Digital Learning: The Top 10 Benefits - eLearning Industry - there are many benefits that come with this growing technology. The material that is offered is available at any time, allowing for users to fit it with their schedule. It can also help in collaboration, as users can use video conferencing and shared documents. There are also ways of sharing other resources, such as video lectures and further reading. Along with more open scheduling, learning platforms can make it easier for individuals to figure out how they learn best and explore other methods. It also helps to expand other areas of digital learning, such as microlearning and learning through games. E-learning also helps students to connect more with their peers, have more independence in their learning journey, and learn to utilize new technology.
What Is Microlearning: A Complete Guide For Beginners - eLearning Industry - microlearning is a great resource for learning on the go and an easy way to sprinkle bits of learning into the day. Microlearning is very brief, which can be utilized in a variety of ways, such as through short videos on the subjects covered or quizzes on the subject matter. It can also be engaging due to its shorter format, as it often has a social media feel to it and can keep users engaged for the time to learn. Often, microlearning is able to fit 12 lessons into one hour. Microlearning also is useful in its cost effectiveness, as one foes noy have to pay much for short content and a special editor is not needed. Its portability is also a good investment in flexibility. It has also been found to increase retention of what has learned, as learning a bit as you go along is much effective than cramming it all in before a test. Multimedia is a great thing here, as videos and images help to hold interest in the lesson. Microlearning is versatile and can be used for a variety of simple ideas and can be used in various formats, such as games.
80 Summer Journal Prompts - summer journal prompts with ideas for many things: setting goals to planning trips and a day in nature, reflecting on past summers, and prompts for writing a creative story.
By the Numbers: Summer Reading | American Libraries Magazine - statistics on summer reading programs. Of note, 99% of public libraries offer a summer program for people of all ages. There is also a lot of information about what is being provided by libraries during the summer, with one library providing 800 meals for a food distribution center and another giving over 15,000 books to children during kickoff parties.
Summer Reading Statistics Statistics: Market Data Report 2025 - more stats on summer reading programs Of note, kids and teens said that they were more likely to read during the summer if they had access to a library and those who did read over the summer were likely to continue to perform well academically - reading at their grade level.
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