Many times we think of libraries as vast shelves of books, with long tables with dim reading lights. Open your library up as a cozy, reading environment.

Many times librarians talk about the joy of sitting in a comfy chair and reading a good book. This comfy chair can be in our library. Physical comfort and a welcoming environment assist in increasing student reading time. In my library I have animal shaped pillows and chair pads that students use to lay on the floor and read.

Story time has a great impact on reading for enjoyment and reading comprehension. Studies show that the impact of being read to doesn't stop with elementary school. Students' auditory vocabulary is two grades higher than their reading vocabulary. By reading to students, or having them read along, they can connect to more complex vocabulary. They are exposed to new words in context. They see words that they have heard and see them in context.

Points, rewards, and gimmicks may help students start to read. We want to build readers who read freely, selecting material that interests them.