National Literacy Month Challenge

Once you learn to read, you will be forever free. - Frederick Douglass

There are many kinds of slavery and many kinds of freedom. But reading is still the path." - Carl Sagan

As a bookaholic, National Literacy Month is an important time. This month is all about embracing love of the written word. What better way to celebrate than with a reading challenge? 

The Challenge:  

Read 5 books in September (Read 70+ book in 2010) 


Be reasonable in your expectations. If you have a super hectic schedule, aim for a lower number. That way, when you succeed you'll feel great and when you surpass it, you'll even better! 

My To Be Read pile has gotten very obese due to my hectic schedule, so I'm taking advantage of this special month to plug on toward my yearly reading goal. 

Here's how you can take advantage of this special month - without breaking your budget:

• Max out your library card. My local library is awesome. Not only does the staff know me on sight (a testament to how often I go there, but they order tons of new releases, including books some might consider obscure. Currently, I'm on the waiting list for the graphic novel, Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life, first in the Scott Pilgrim series by Bryan Lee O'Malley that inspired the fantastic movie, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World.

 *Side Note: If you haven't seen this movie, definitely check it out. I've long had a crush on Michael Cera, but the storyline is great, the action keeps you on the edge of your seat and the music is very catchy. Click to listen to a clip of my favorite song from the movie.

• Hit yard sales. Scavenging yard sales in your area can turn up a lot of jewels, such as out-of-print books and sometimes autographed book copies).

• Visit secondhand book shops for neat finds. These are a favorite hang out of mine, especially to try new authors (at least, new to me) or maybe just books I wasn't sure about buying full price and couldn't get at the library. As long as you don't mind a few dogeared pages and scuffed spines, you'll find lots of jewels in these places.

• Have a bookswap party. As if you needed an excuse to get together with your girl (or guy) friends. ;D Up the fun a little by serving sparkling cider as you and your friends swap books for ones you haven't read. 

Want to add an extra bit of fun to the party? Hand out themed party favors, such as book thongs, book lights or gift cards to a local bookstore.

What about you? Do you have any reading goals this September? Any favorite spots to get the best deals on reads?