If you’re looking for a good book to read for yourself or to give as a gift this holiday season, let Forsyth County Public Library (FCPL) be your first stop.

Whenever we go shopping, we make hundreds of small decisions. We read labels, compare prices, and listen to our inner voices reminding us of advertisements we have seen or recommendations we have received from others.  Wouldn’t it be great if there were some help available to make some of those decisions? There is plenty of help available for choosing great books, at your library.

Although it's a common misconception that librarians get to read throughout their workday, we are true book enthusiasts, reading a wide variety of genres and styles. At work, we talk about the books we read and the reviews we come across, comparing notes so we can make the best suggestions to patrons.

Librarians give suggestions both in the traditional way, by putting just-right books in readers’ hands, and virtually, by providing lists of recommended books through e-mail with “Personalized Reading Suggestions.” This service, which FCPL launched earlier this year, has provided suggestions to more than 700 people.

The library offers more than 20 e-mail newsletters about books through the NextReads service. Subscribers can choose from NextReads newsletters covering mystery, romance, children’s books, and many more.

Many of our staff write book reviews, which are featured in “Bookmarked,” FCPL’s blog devoted to reading (http://fcplnews.blogspot.com/). Throughout December, “Bookmarked” features our favorite reads of the year.

Talking about a good book is almost as much fun as reading a good book, and the library offers plenty of opportunities to chat with fellow book lovers and perhaps discover new favorite reads along the way. We have book discussion groups for all ages: Bookworms and Page Turners for kids, Just Read It! and THE Book Club for teens, and Book Sleuths and Literazzi for adults.

When visiting the library’s catalog, you’ll notice the many tools to help you make selections, including staff-created book lists, professional reviews, reader ratings, and suggested titles. If the title you want is unavailable, you can buy a copy through a link to Amazon, with a percentage of the proceeds going to the library. Or check out the FCPL Friends & Advocates used book store, open seven days a week inside the Cumming Library. 

No matter what your preference--traditional hardback or paperback formats, large-print books, audiobooks on CD, or eBooks—your library is the place to start your holiday reading journey.