I run the exercise four times, including one round in our digital library using OverDrive Education’s Sora reading app. Students browse the titles on their Chromebook devices. The process is the same as with paperback books, but this round offers the additional advantage of encouraging students to interact with our eBook reading app and learn how to use keyword searches and filters to find books.
4. Catch their eye. This may seem obvious, but displays matter. For example, make sure some of your paper books face out on your library shelves. While uninterested eyes will glaze over looking at a sea of spines, they’ll always stop at a boldly colored cover with an in-your-face font. We’re constantly on the lookout for new ideas for showcasing books—inspiration can come from a favorite retailer’s window displays or even from grocery stores.
Likewise, promote new releases or curated collections in your digital library. Sora, for example, lets us display the latest eBooks—we drop a new collection every Tuesday front and center on Sora’s Explore page. Although we always try to provide the latest bestselling hardcovers on our shelves, the digital library has the advantage of giving nearly instantaneous access to new releases.
5. Let them get graphic. Don’t discount the value of graphic novels and other non-traditional content. The main objective is to get reluctant readers interested, so it’s okay to let them choose illustrated novels, magazines or manga. True graphic novels are engaging on multiple levels, requiring the reader to conceptually connect pictures and words, scrutinize backgrounds and character dialogues and follow the flow of panels.
6. Embrace the quirks. While some students prefer traditional paperback books, other students also prefer the instant access and built-in tools that come with eBooks. For example, with Sora, our students can choose either a full-screen or side-by-side page layout, change their screen lighting, select a large or supportive dyslexic font, use built-in reading tools like highlighting and bookmarks and take advantage of other features (like alternative translations) unique to digital libraries. The point is to let students read in whatever manner makes their brains happy. They’ll read more and over time, developing the skills that help them derive the most value and pleasure from their reading hours.
Our libraries—both physical and digital—really do house books of interest for everyone. By being creative and persistent in facilitating great matches of books to readers, we can ignite the spark that ultimately turns a reluctant reader into an ardent booklover.
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