{"id":6299,"date":"2024-04-15T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-15T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/?p=6299"},"modified":"2024-05-08T15:26:09","modified_gmt":"2024-05-08T15:26:09","slug":"best-cities-for-book-lovers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/best-cities-for-book-lovers\/","title":{"rendered":"2024\u2019s Best Cities for Book Lovers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where in America can you find a literary adventure?<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To book(mark) World Book Day on April 23, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\">Lawn Love<\/a> ranked 2024\u2019s Best Cities for Book Lovers.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">We compared the 500 biggest U.S. cities based on four categories. We looked at access to bookstores, libraries, and book clubs, among 16 total metrics.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See which cities are utopias for book lovers below. To learn how we ranked the cities, see our <a href=\"#methodology\">methodology<\/a>.<\/p>    <h2 id=\"in-this-article\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this article<\/h2>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"#rankings\">City rankings<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#top-5\">Top 5 close up<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#key-insights\">Key insights<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#ask-the-experts\">Expert take<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#methodology\">Behind the ranking<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"#final-thoughts\">Final thoughts: Create a cozy outdoor reading nook<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"rankings\"><span id=\"city-rankings\">City rankings<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">See how each city fared in our ranking:<\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"ec0dd0cd-ea46-4430-9a9a-4fea8fde32a0\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: Ranking Table - 2024&amp;#39;s Best Cities for Book Lovers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"8a721a49-b23b-44f9-ac7b-382624f4f586\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: 25 Best Cities for Book Lovers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"top-5\"><span id=\"top-5-close-up\">Top 5 close up<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Check out the slideshow below for highlights on each of our top 5 cities.<\/p>   <div style=\"min-height: 535px\" class=\"ub_image_slider swiper-container wp-block-ub-image-slider\" id=\"ub_image_slider_f609ec3c-adb3-40af-9785-5b1f82db09b2\" data-swiper-data='{\"speed\":300,\"spaceBetween\":20,\"slidesPerView\":1,\"loop\":true,\"pagination\":{\"el\": \".swiper-pagination\" , \"type\": \"bullets\", \"clickable\":true},\"navigation\": {\"nextEl\": \".swiper-button-next\", \"prevEl\": \".swiper-button-prev\"}, \"keyboard\": { \"enabled\": true }, \"effect\": \"slide\",\"simulateTouch\":false}'>             <div class=\"swiper-wrapper\"><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/NEW-YORK111.jpg\" alt=\"Morning light reflects across New York City\u2019s skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 1: <\/strong>New York | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>89.53<br><br><strong>Number of Bookstores: <\/strong>571 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Independent Bookstores: <\/strong>75 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Public Libraries: <\/strong>225 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Antique and Rare Book Stores: <\/strong>42 | Rank: 1<br><strong>Number of Publishing Houses: <\/strong>134 | Rank: 1<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>The City That Never Sleeps is full of literary landmarks, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/bronxhistoricalsociety.org\/poe-cottage\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Edgar Allan Poe Cottage<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/whitehorsetavern1880.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">White Horse Tavern<\/a>. Explore a plethora of bookish sites with a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.centralparknyc.org\/locations\/the-mall-literary-walk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">literary walk<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.literarypubcrawl.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">literary pub crawl<\/a>. Take the kids to <a href=\"https:\/\/booksofwonder.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Books of Wonder<\/a> \u2014 a children\u2019s book destination founded in 1980.\u00a0<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/skyline-photo-of-empire-state-building-in-new-york-city-2190283\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roberto Vivancos<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/CHICAGO111.jpg\" alt=\"Two people bike along the water overlooking the Chicago skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 2: <\/strong>Chicago | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>35.05<br><br><strong>Number of Bookstores: <\/strong>187 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Number of Independent Bookstores: <\/strong>40 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Public Libraries: <\/strong>80 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Number of Antique and Rare Book Stores: <\/strong>7 | Rank: 4<br><strong>Number of Publishing Houses: <\/strong>21 | Rank: 4<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Stop by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.newberry.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Newberry Library<\/a>, a non-circulating library operating since 1887 with a collection spanning 27.5 miles of bookshelves. Tour through the city through the perspective of Erik Larson\u2019s bestselling book <a href=\"https:\/\/www.americanghostwalks.com\/tour\/the-devil-in-the-white-city\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Devil in the White City<\/a>. Explore the history of writing in the U.S. at the interactive <a href=\"https:\/\/americanwritersmuseum.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">American Writers Museum<\/a>.<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/two-people-riding-bikes-3010969\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Chait Goli<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/SAN-FRANCISCO111.jpg\" alt=\"A woman reads on a field looking over townhomes and skyscrapers in San Francisco.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 3: <\/strong>San Francisco | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>34.96<br><br><strong>Number of Bookstores: <\/strong>146 | Rank: 5<br><strong>Number of Independent Bookstores: <\/strong>22 | Rank: 6<br><strong>Number of Public Libraries: <\/strong>33 | Rank: 12<br><strong>Number of Antique and Rare Book Stores: <\/strong>10 | Rank: 3<br><strong>Number of Publishing Houses: <\/strong>20 | Rank: 5<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Learn about Jack Kerouac and the rest of the Beat Generation at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.kerouac.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Beat Museum<\/a>, before following in their footsteps with an afternoon at <a href=\"https:\/\/citylights.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">City Lights Bookstore<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/vesuvio.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Vesuvio Cafe<\/a>. Make plans to attend San Francisco\u2019s annual literary festival, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.litquake.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Litquake<\/a>.<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/woman-lying-on-white-textile-in-grass-field-during-daytime-61109\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Juan Salamanca<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/Los-Angeles-CA-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Griffith Observatory stands atop a hill overlooking the Los Angeles skyline.\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 4: <\/strong>Los Angeles | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>34.04<br><br><strong>Number of Bookstores: <\/strong>215 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Independent Bookstores: <\/strong>15 | Rank: 9<br><strong>Number of Public Libraries: <\/strong>86 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Antique and Rare Book Stores: <\/strong>13 | Rank: 2<br><strong>Number of Publishing Houses: <\/strong>30 | Rank: 2<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Treat your shelf with a new story from <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lastbookstorela.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">The Last Bookstore<\/a>. Take a docent-led tour of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lapl.org\/branches\/central-library\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Central Library<\/a> for a closer look at the historic building\u2019s art and architecture. Make plans to attend the next <a href=\"http:\/\/losangelesbookfestival.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Los Angeles Book Festival<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/events.latimes.com\/festivalofbooks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">L.A. Times Festival of Books<\/a>.<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/photo\/white-and-brown-buildings-2709964\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Roberto Nickson<\/a> | Pexels | <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pexels.com\/license\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Pexels License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><figure class=\"swiper-slide\">                 <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/07\/Seattle11-1.jpg\" alt=\"A shot of the Seattle, Washington, skyline with a view of the iconic Space Needle framed by trees from Kerry Park in the foreground and Mount Rainier in the background\" style=\"height: 500px;; \">                 <figcaption class=\"ub_image_slider_image_caption\"><strong>No. 5: <\/strong>Seattle | <strong>Overall score: <\/strong>28.51<br><br><strong>Number of Bookstores: <\/strong>120 | Rank: 7<br><strong>Number of Independent Bookstores: <\/strong>29 | Rank: 4<br><strong>Number of Public Libraries: <\/strong>32 | Rank: 13<br><strong>Number of Antique and Rare Book Stores: <\/strong>3 | Rank: 10<br><strong>Number of Publishing Houses: <\/strong>19 | Rank: 6<br><br><strong>Local tips: <\/strong>Take in literary and architectural delights at Seattle\u2019s award-winning <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spl.org\/hours-and-locations\/central-library\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Central Library<\/a>. Self-described geeks should peruse the stacks at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.adasbooks.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ada\u2019s Technical Books and Cafe<\/a>. Locals can participate in the citywide book club <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spl.org\/programs-and-services\/authors-and-books\/seattle-reads\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seattle Reads<\/a>.<br><br>Photo credit: <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/UmEYn_GYqFo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stephen Plopper<\/a> | Unsplash | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/figcaption>             <\/figure><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-pagination\"><\/div>             <div class=\"swiper-button-prev\"><\/div> <div class=\"swiper-button-next\"><\/div>         <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"key-insights\">Key Insights<\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>New York<\/strong> (No. 1) reads to the top with a <strong>55-point lead<\/strong> over the second-best city, <strong>Chicago<\/strong>, and takes <strong>first place<\/strong> across <strong>all four categories<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Large cities<\/strong> dominate the <strong>top 25<\/strong> of our ranking, with prestigious college towns like <strong>New Haven, Connecticut<\/strong> (No. 41), <strong>Cambridge, Massachusetts<\/strong> (No. 51), and <strong>Berkeley, California<\/strong> (No. 55) trailing closely behind.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Other smaller cities like <strong>Asheville, North Carolina<\/strong> (No. 59), <strong>Beaverton, Oregon<\/strong> (No. 83), and <strong>Bloomington, Indiana<\/strong> (No. 93), stand out in the <strong>top 100<\/strong> despite having fewer than 100,000 residents. All three cities enjoy <strong>bountiful bookstores<\/strong> and libraries <strong>allowing non-resident borrowing<\/strong>.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>34 California cities<\/strong> and <strong>Utah<\/strong> cities <strong>Salt Lake City<\/strong> (No. 37) and <strong>Provo<\/strong> (No. 236) score in the <strong>top half <\/strong>of our ranking. Meanwhile, the <strong>remaining 9 Utah<\/strong> and <strong>83 California cities<\/strong> finish at the bottom, with <strong>Rancho Cordova<\/strong> landing in <strong>last place<\/strong>. These cities <strong>lack access<\/strong> to <strong>bookshops<\/strong> and <strong>bookmobiles<\/strong>, and \u2014 apart from <strong>St. George, Utah<\/strong> (No. 280) \u2014 their <strong>libraries have fines<\/strong> for overdue items.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Page through more interesting takeaways <a href=\"#media-resources\">below<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/p>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"ask-the-experts\"><span id=\"\"><\/span><\/h2>  <div id=\"experts-block\" class=\"experts\">     <h2 id=\"expert-take\" class=\"text-2xl font-bold text-black mb-3\">Expert take<\/h2>    <p>We turned to a panel of bibliophiles for insight into the best ways to fall in love with reading. See what they had to say below.<\/p> <ol> <li>What are the 3 biggest benefits of reading books?<\/li> <li>What are the best strategies for parents to get children into reading?<\/li> <li>How have new ways of reading, such as using e-readers or listening to an audiobook on the way to work, changed readership rates?<\/li> <li>Do you have 3 or 4 tips for people who want to get back into reading regularly?<\/li> <li>Some people struggle to read books because they don\u2019t know what genres they enjoy or what genres are available. What\u2019s the best way to discover one\u2019s favorite genre(s)?<\/li> <li>How can avid readers keep up with the constant influx of new books to read?<\/li> <\/ol>    <div id=\"experts-container\" class=\"relative lg:mt-6\" x-data=\"experts()\" x-init=\"init()\">      <style>       .expert-avatars {         scrollbar-width: none;         -ms-overflow-style: none;          \/* momentum scroll on iOS *\/         -webkit-overflow-scrolling: touch;          \/* disbable vertical scroll for touch *\/         touch-action: pan-x;       }        \/* hide scroll bar *\/       .expert-avatars::-webkit-scrollbar {         display: none;       }        .expert-avatars .item {         width: 125px;         flex-shrink: 0;       }        .expert-avatars .item:not(:last-child) {         margin-right: 10px;       }        \/* hacky fix for padding at the end of the.expert-avatars *\/       .expert-avatars .item:last-child {         position: relative;       }        .expert-avatars .item:last-child::after {         position: absolute; 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expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'hilary-seitz-phd', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'hilary-seitz-phd'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('hilary-seitz-phd', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_hilary_seitz.jpg\" alt=\"Hilary Seitz\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'hilary-seitz-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Hilary Seitz, PhD <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'hilary-seitz-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Early Childhood Education, School of Education<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'hilary-seitz-phd'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Alaska Anchorage<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'hilary-seitz-phd'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('hilary-seitz-phd', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'hilary-seitz-phd'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('hilary-seitz-phd')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_hilary_seitz.jpg\" alt=\"Hilary Seitz\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Hilary Seitz, PhD <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor of Early Childhood Education, School of Education<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">University of Alaska Anchorage<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are the three biggest benefits of reading books?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are many benefits to reading books!<\/p> <ol> <li>Reading books offers opportunities to learn about other places, perspectives, and information so we can expand our own thinking knowledge. So, it is a way to learn content.<\/li> <li>Reading books also offers an emotional and creative outlet to think about things in a new way. We can develop empathy, ideas, and creative solutions when we are transported into a story.<\/li> <li>Together, they nurture the growth and development of a child.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>What are the best strategies for parents to get children into reading?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Here are my top strategies to help children have a passion for reading.<\/p> <ol> <li>Model reading practices &#8211; reading books, magazines, directions or recipes, online content too is important. Parents need to share multiple reading practices with their children.<\/li> <li>Have many opportunities to read in the home, car, and other places you go. Having access to books and other print materials in normal experiences\/places tells children that reading is important and a way to learn about the world in a positive way.<\/li> <li>Families can engage in children\u2019s school experiences (volunteer at school, support homework, and make reading activities enjoyable).<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for people who want to get back into reading regularly?<\/strong><\/p> <p>The best way to get back into the habit of reading is to build reading into your routine. Perhaps, it is to read before bed each night for 20 minutes. I like to read or listen to my eReader when I exercise on the treadmill.<\/p> <p>Finding something you enjoy reading is also important. It is easier to create a new habit if it is part of the routine and something that you enjoy. Trying a variety of genres of books, magazines, or blogs sometimes takes time. Once you find your interest, it is easier.<\/p> <p><strong>Some people struggle to read books because they don\u2019t know what genres they enjoy. What\u2019s the best way to discover one\u2019s favorite genre(s)?<\/strong><\/p> <p>It can be challenging to find books you enjoy as there are many different genres available. If you haven\u2019t read a book in a while, but you want to start reading again, think about the last book you enjoyed reading and ask yourself the following questions.<\/p> <ul> <li>Why did you like the book?<\/li> <li>Was it a novel or a biography or something that was self-help?<\/li> <li>Was it long or short?<\/li> <li>Was it informational?<\/li> <li>What did it make you think about when you read it?<\/li> <\/ul> <p>These questions will help you think about the type of book you enjoy.<\/p> <p>If it has been a while since you last read a book and don\u2019t remember one you enjoyed, try asking a friend for a suggestion, do a google search for suggestions, or join a Facebook group for reading. In some ways there are too many ways and too many genres which can make the task very overwhelming.<\/p> <p>One last way might be to think about other entertainment such as shows or movies you enjoy. Are they comedies, documentaries, or long sagas that took place a long time ago? Book genres are similar. In some cases, the show or movie may have been based on a story\/book. You might try to read the corresponding books, such as Harry Potter.<\/p> <p><strong>How can avid readers keep up with the constant influx of new books to read? <\/strong><\/p> <p>There are many new book choices that pop up every day. For avid readers, I recommend joining a social media group such as Good reads or a Facebook book club.<\/p> <p>These sites offer all types of information and other readers are always willing to give a review or a suggestion of a good book they just read. I enjoy discussing books with other people so having a book group or club can help make this an enjoyable extension.<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-dr-pedro-ponce\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'dr-pedro-ponce', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'dr-pedro-ponce'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('dr-pedro-ponce', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'dr-pedro-ponce', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'dr-pedro-ponce'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('dr-pedro-ponce', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_3pedro_ponce.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Pedro Ponce\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-pedro-ponce'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Pedro Ponce <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-pedro-ponce'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor, English Department<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'dr-pedro-ponce'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">St. Lawrence University<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'dr-pedro-ponce'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('dr-pedro-ponce', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'dr-pedro-ponce'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('dr-pedro-ponce')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_3pedro_ponce.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Pedro Ponce\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Dr. Pedro Ponce <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Professor, English Department<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">St. Lawrence University<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are the three biggest benefits of reading books?<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li>One of the biggest benefits is learning something new. Reading provokes and also satisfies our curiosity about topics we\u2019re interested in\u2014and topics we would never think about in our everyday lives.<\/li> <li>Another is connecting with perspectives and lives different from our own\u2014across national borders and even historical periods. What is it like to live in another country, or another century? The differences are interesting, but the commonalities are even more compelling.<\/li> <li>Finally, I don\u2019t think escapism is a bad thing. Sometimes, we need a break from reality, and reading offers this in a variety of ways. Sometimes, that temporary escape is just what we need to see reality more clearly.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>What are the best strategies for parents to get children into reading?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Get children excited about language\u2014engage them with language in its various forms: reading text to them of course, but don\u2019t forget spoken language in music and conversation, or even the sculpted language on wooden blocks.<\/p> <p>Anything that gives language life and texture inspires interest in reading. I say this from my own experience rather than empirical data. I grew up in a bilingual household, and experiencing how different languages reflect the world gave language itself this three-dimensional quality that stayed with me well into adulthood.<\/p> <p><strong>How have new ways of reading, such as using e-readers or listening to an audiobook on the way to work, changed readership rates?<\/strong><\/p> <p>I\u2019m a child of print books, but I also think that e-books and audiobooks have generated greater interest in reading. There are so many more ways for someone to get immersed in a book\u2014text surrounds us whether in our cars or on our phones.<\/p> <p>I myself need a printed page to feel immersed, or at least a screen bigger than my phone. But what works for me won\u2019t work for every reader. I think the greater variety of reading experiences will work to create more interest in reading generally.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for people who want to get back into reading regularly?<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li>Make reading a habit\u2014something you do every day. And your reading time doesn\u2019t have to be long\u2014it can be something you listen to on the way to work, or something you read before going to bed.<\/li> <li>The key I think is consistency rather than a certain number of pages or chapters per day. Make a routine that works for you and stick to it.<\/li> <li>And read what you want\u2014histories, thrillers, comic books. The pleasure of reading can take many forms. \u201cReal\u201d reading doesn\u2019t just mean Moby-Dick or Heart of Darkness. We need to treat reading like listening to music. We expect people to have differing tastes in music; we should be just as eclectic with our reading habits.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>Some people struggle to read books because they don\u2019t know what genres they enjoy. What\u2019s the best way to discover one\u2019s favorite genre(s)?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Here is my plug for brick-and-mortar bookstores! Find one and ask the staff for their recommendations. I\u2019m not anti-technology (see above), but an algorithm is no substitute, I think, for the personal expertise of bookstore staff.<\/p> <p><strong>How can avid readers keep up with the constant influx of new books to read?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There are some great websites that inform readers of what\u2019s coming out\u2014not just from major publishers, but from interesting smaller presses that deserve more attention:<\/p> <ul> <li>Literary Hub: <a href=\"https:\/\/lithub.com\/\">https:\/\/lithub.com\/<\/a><\/li> <li>Electric Literature: <a href=\"https:\/\/electricliterature.com\/\">https:\/\/electricliterature.com\/<\/a><\/li> <li>Five Books: <a href=\"https:\/\/fivebooks.com\/\">https:\/\/fivebooks.com\/<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>                <div           id=\"expert-michelle-chihara\"           class=\"mb-10 border border-gray-200 p-4 cursor-pointer lg:block\"           x-bind:class=\"{'lg:border-theme-green block': focusedExpert == 'michelle-chihara', 'hidden': focusedExpert != 'michelle-chihara'}\"           @click=\"openExpert('michelle-chihara', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">            <div             x-bind:class=\"{'items-center': focusedExpert != 'michelle-chihara', 'items-start': focusedExpert == 'michelle-chihara'}\"             class=\"item mb-4 hidden lg:flex\"             @click=\"openExpert('michelle-chihara', 'expert')\">              <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_michelle_chihara2.jpg\" alt=\"Michelle Chihara\" class=\"m-0 mr-3 w-16 h-16 object-cover rounded-full lg:w-20 lg:h-20\">              <div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'michelle-chihara'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Michelle Chihara <\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'michelle-chihara'}\"                 class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Director, Whittier Scholars Program, Associate Professor of English<\/div>               <div                 x-bind:class=\"{'trim-label': focusedExpert != 'michelle-chihara'}\"                 class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Whittier College<\/div>             <\/div>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"hidden lg:block\"             x-bind:class=\"{'lg:hidden': focusedExpert == 'michelle-chihara'}\">             <button class=\"flex items-center text-theme-green open-details\" @click=\"openExpert('michelle-chihara', 'expert'); expertIsFocused = true\">View Answers <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-4 ml-2\">                 <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M12.909.258a.919.919 0 00-.007 1.294l4.275 4.282H.907a.914.914 0 000 1.828H17.17l-4.275 4.286a.925.925 0 00.007 1.294.91.91 0 001.287-.007l5.794-5.836a1.026 1.026 0 00.19-.288.872.872 0 00.07-.352.916.916 0 00-.26-.64L14.189.283a.9.9 0 00-1.28-.025z\" fill=\"#48a27a\" \/>               <\/svg><\/button>           <\/div>            <div             class=\"details fixed top-0 left-0 bg-white h-screen z-10 overflow-scroll w-screen lg:w-full lg:relative lg:h-auto\"             x-cloak x-show=\"focusedExpert == 'michelle-chihara'\"             x-transition:enter=\"transition ease-out duration-100 transform\"             x-transition:enter-start=\"opacity-0 scale-95\"             x-transition:enter-end=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave=\"transition ease-in duration-75 transform\"             x-transition:leave-start=\"opacity-100 scale-100\"             x-transition:leave-end=\"opacity-0 scale-95\">              <div class=\"bg-theme-green p-4 mb-4 pb-20 relative text-white lg:bg-white lg:pb-0 lg:text-theme-green lg:mb-8\">               <button class=\"close-details mr-4 mt-2 absolute top-0 left-0 flex items-center ml-4 lg:mt-0 lg:ml-0\" x-on:click.stop=\"closeExpert('michelle-chihara')\">                 <svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 20.243 13.501\" class=\"w-6 mr-2 fill-current\">                   <path data-name=\"Icon ionic-ios-arrow-round-forward\" d=\"M7.334 13.243a.919.919 0 00.007-1.294L3.066 7.667h16.27a.914.914 0 000-1.828H3.073l4.275-4.286A.925.925 0 007.341.259a.91.91 0 00-1.287.007L.26 6.102a1.026 1.026 0 00-.19.288.872.872 0 00-.07.352.916.916 0 00.26.64l5.794 5.836a.9.9 0 001.28.025z\" \/>                 <\/svg> Close               <\/button>             <\/div>              <div class=\"item text-center px-4 w-full text-center -mt-20 relative z-20 pointer-events-none lg:hidden\">               <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/rsz_michelle_chihara2.jpg\" alt=\"Michelle Chihara\" class=\"mt-0 mb-3 mx-auto w-32 h-32 object-cover rounded-full border-white border-4 shadow-xl\">               <div class=\"text-base leading-5 mb-2 text-black font-medium\">Michelle Chihara <\/div>               <div class=\"text-sm leading-5 mb-2 text-gray-800\">Associate Director, Whittier Scholars Program, Associate Professor of English<\/div>               <div class=\"text-gray-600 text-sm\">Whittier College<\/div>             <\/div>              <div class=\"px-4 lg:px-0\">               <p><strong>What are the three biggest benefits of reading books?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Reading has structured almost every aspect of my life, so it\u2019s hard to choose three, but 1) when I was young, reading was my escape and my imaginative path to a wider world and2) as I got older, books were my connection to experts and histories that became my teachers and 3) now as an adult and a teacher myself, books allow me to pause.<\/p> <p>They give me moments of sustained contemplative attention that\u2019s increasingly hard to get in this technology-dominated world.<\/p> <p><strong>What are the best strategies for parents to get children into reading?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Let them choose the books they want to read! Give them true agency, and don\u2019t say no to a book unless it\u2019s absolutely necessary. If you\u2019re concerned about a book, offer to let them read it if they promise to talk to you about it afterwards, and read it alongside them.<\/p> <p><strong>How have new ways of reading, such as using e-readers or listening to an audiobook on the way to work, changed readership rates?<\/strong><\/p> <p>There\u2019s ample evidence that print readership is down. Audiobooks offer new kinds of experiences (see Sheri-Marie Harrison\u2019s ode to them on Post45!).<\/p> <p>I\u2019m also about to publish an article (in Bloomsbury\u2019s forthcoming <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomsbury.com\/us\/new-directions-in-print-culture-studies-9781501359743\/\">New Directions in Print Culture Studies<\/a>) in which I look at evidence that people are changing their relationship to print culture in the way that they now <em>make<\/em> books. People are taking up print pursuits like journaling and making art-books.<\/p> <p>Both reading print books and interacting with paper can deliver aesthetic rewards that screens can\u2019t provide\u2014it can help with \u201cdigital detox.\u201d All of this makes the future of reading hard to predict, but I\u2019m hopeful.<\/p> <p><strong>What are your three best tips for people who want to get back into reading regularly?<\/strong><\/p> <ol> <li>Give yourself permission to read for pleasure<\/li> <li>Choose a time of day to read for pleasure, and then<\/li> <li>Don\u2019t beat yourself up if you miss it for a while.<\/li> <\/ol> <p><strong>Some people struggle to read books because they don\u2019t know what genres they enjoy. What\u2019s the best way to discover one\u2019s favorite genre(s)?<\/strong><\/p> <p>Discovery is linked to curiosity. After you have given yourself permission to read for pleasure, give yourself permission to wander and browse in the library or independent bookshop with curiosity! And remember that you can put any book down. Accepting mismatches is part of finding new good fits.<\/p> <p>Once you\u2019ve committed, I recommend trying to give any book a real chance\u2014some books teach you how to read them a paragraph at a time. But at the same time, you need to preserve your own (adult) sense of agency.<\/p> <p>Once trying new things has led you to learn something\u2014once you have truly tasted that feeling of personal discovery\u2014you\u2019ll have confidence in your own bookish wanderings.<\/p> <p><strong>How can avid readers keep up with the constant influx of new books to read? <\/strong><\/p> <p>Instead of trying to \u201ckeep up,\u201d try to stay curious and engaged! If you have something to say to other readers about what you\u2019re reading, then you can participate in a dynamic conversation. It doesn\u2019t matter when the book was published!<\/p>             <\/div>            <\/div>          <\/div>              <\/div> <\/div>   <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"methodology\"><span id=\"behind-the-ranking\">Behind the ranking<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">First, we determined the factors (metrics) that are most relevant to rank the Best Cities for Book Lovers. We then assigned a weight to each factor based on its importance and grouped those factors into 4 categories: Books For Sale Access, Book Rental Access, Special Access, and Community. The categories, factors, and their weights are listed in the table below.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For each of the 500 biggest U.S. cities, we then gathered data on each factor from the sources listed below the table.&nbsp;<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Finally, we calculated scores (out of 100 points) for each city to determine its rank in each factor, each category, and overall. A city\u2019s Overall Score is the average of its scores across all factors and categories. The highest Overall Score ranked \u201cBest\u201d (No. 1) and the lowest \u201cWorst\u201d (No. 500).<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Notes:<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>The \u201cWorst\u201d among individual factors may not be No. 500 due to ties.<\/li>    <li>Access to Little Free Libraries was not included in this year\u2019s ranking due to a data issue.<\/li>    <li>\u201cNumber of Book Clubs\u201d only includes publicly listed book clubs.&nbsp;<\/li> <\/ul>   <div class=\"infogram-embed\" data-id=\"abe19e80-163e-412b-a3a7-a7224a75a2ff\" data-type=\"interactive\" data-title=\"LL: Methodology - 2024&amp;#39;s Best Cities for Book Lovers\"><\/div> <p><script>!function(e,n,i,s){var d=\"InfogramEmbeds\";var o=e.getElementsByTagName(n)[0];if(window[d]&&window[d].initialized)window[d].process&&window[d].process();else if(!e.getElementById(i)){var r=e.createElement(n);r.async=1,r.id=i,r.src=s,o.parentNode.insertBefore(r,o)}}(document,\"script\",\"infogram-async\",\"https:\/\/e.infogram.com\/js\/dist\/embed-loader-min.js\");<\/script><\/p>    <h3 id=\"sources\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h3>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><em>AARP, Antiquarian Booksellers\u2019 Association of America, Bookclubs, BookCrossing, CareerOneStop, End Library Fines, Everyday Reading, IndieBound, Institute of Museum and Library Services, Meetup, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled, Publishers Archive, The Real Yellow Pages, Silent Book Club, ThriftStoreListings.com, United for Libraries, Urban Libraries Council, and Yelp<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"final-thoughts\"><span id=\"final-thoughts-create-a-cozy-outdoor-reading-nook\">Final thoughts: Create a cozy outdoor reading nook<\/span><\/h2>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Thanks to e-books, <a href=\"https:\/\/bookriot.com\/bookstagram-vs-booktok\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">BookTok<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.today.com\/popculture\/books\/celebrity-book-clubs-rcna143075\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">celebrity book clubs<\/a>, it\u2019s easy for bookworms to find their next read without needing to get off the couch.<\/p>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Just because you enjoy reading doesn\u2019t mean you have to stay cooped up inside. Use our tips below to design your dream outdoor living space and get lost in a story.<\/p>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Snuggle up by an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/outdoor-fireplace-cost\/\">outdoor fireplace<\/a> with a hot cup of <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/how-to-create-a-tea-garden\/\">tea<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Design an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/outdoor-kitchen-cost\/\">outdoor kitchen<\/a> for reading snacks and space to host the next book club meeting.<\/li>    <li>Keep bugs away with a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/screened-in-porch-cost\/\">screened-in porch<\/a>.<\/li>    <li>Escape to new heights by devouring a book in a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/treehouse-building-cost\/\">treehouse<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Put up some outdoor <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/outdoor-landscape-lighting-ideas\/\">landscape lighting<\/a> for evening stories.<\/li>    <li>Add a relaxing water feature like a <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/koi-pond-cost\/\">koi pond<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/water-fountain-cost\/\">fountain<\/a>.&nbsp;<\/li>    <li>Keep your yard <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/beginners-guide-lawn-care\/\">neat<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/integrated-pest-management-lawn\/\">pest-free<\/a> for a peaceful reading experience.<\/li>    <li>Build a <a href=\"https:\/\/littlefreelibrary.org\/start\/build-a-little-free-library\/?gad_source=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Little Free Library<\/a> on the front lawn to swap stories with your book-loving neighbors.<\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/\"><em>Hire a local Lawn Love crew<\/em><\/a><em> to keep your lawn and landscape looking great while you sit back and crack open a new book.<\/em><\/p>    <h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"media-resources\">Media resources<\/h2>   <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle wp-block-ub-content-toggle-block\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-block-e699f634-7252-458c-9edd-2d3c0aa8ce30\" data-mobilecollapse=\"true\" data-desktopcollapse=\"true\" data-preventcollapse=\"false\" data-showonlyone=\"false\"> <div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion\" style=\"border-color: #f1f1f1; border-top-left-radius: 8px; border-top-right-radius: 8px; border-bottom-left-radius: 8px; border-bottom-right-radius: 8px; \" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-block-9d321461-5419-453b-992e-6de9d4e95887\"> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title-wrap\" style=\"background-color: #f1f1f1;\" aria-controls=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e699f634-7252-458c-9edd-2d3c0aa8ce30\" tabindex=\"0\"> \t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-title ub-content-toggle-title-e699f634-7252-458c-9edd-2d3c0aa8ce30\" style=\"color: #000000; \">Quotes from Lawn Love Editor-in-Chief Sharon Sullivan:<\/p> \t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-toggle-wrap right\" style=\"color: #000000;\"><span class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-state-indicator wp-block-ub-chevron-down\"><\/span><\/div> \t\t<\/div> \t\t\t<div role=\"region\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"wp-block-ub-content-toggle-accordion-content-wrap ub-hide\" id=\"ub-content-toggle-panel-0-e699f634-7252-458c-9edd-2d3c0aa8ce30\">  <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>91 cities<\/strong> in our ranking boast <strong>libraries allowing non-resident borrowing<\/strong>, giving visitors access to their physical or digital collections with help from apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/libbyapp.com\/interview\/welcome#doYouHaveACard\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Libby<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hoopladigital.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Hoopla<\/a>.<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>Texas and Florida lead the nation in <a href=\"https:\/\/pen.org\/report\/banned-in-the-usa-state-laws-supercharge-book-suppression-in-schools\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">book bans<\/a>, which are increasing in schools and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/2023\/09\/21\/books\/book-ban-rise-libraries.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">public libraries<\/a> across the U.S. However, <strong>22 Florida<\/strong> and <strong>28 Texas cities<\/strong> enjoy <strong>10 or more bookstores<\/strong>, giving those residents options for unrestricted reading.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Seattle<\/strong> (No. 5) and <strong>Iowa City, Iowa<\/strong> (No. 50) represent the U.S. as the nation\u2019s only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.citiesoflit.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><strong>UNESCO Cities of Literature<\/strong><\/a>. Both cities are home to renowned writing programs such as Hugo House and the Iowa Writers Workshop.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Houston<\/strong> (No. 7) leads Texas in access to <strong>bookstores<\/strong> and <strong>public libraries<\/strong>, while <strong>Austin<\/strong> (No. 15) claims the most Lone Star State <strong>publishing houses<\/strong> and <strong>literary landmarks<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Boise, Idaho<\/strong> (No. 28), ties among much larger cities like New York and Chicago with the <strong>3rd-highest number<\/strong> of silent book clubs.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><strong>Philadelphia<\/strong> (No. 6), <strong>Huntsville, Alabama<\/strong> (No. 82), and <strong>Wyoming, Michigan<\/strong> (No. 197), tie for the <strong>best access to braille libraries<\/strong>, with each city claiming <strong>3<\/strong>.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>    <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li>East and West Coast cities like <strong>New York<\/strong>, <strong>Los Angeles<\/strong> (No. 4), and <strong>Portland<\/strong> (No. 9), <strong>dominate<\/strong> the American <strong>publishing market<\/strong>. However, some landlocked places \u2014 such as <strong>Denver<\/strong> (No. 11), <strong>Austin<\/strong> (No. 15), and <strong>Minneapolis<\/strong> (No. 34) \u2014 offer <strong>10 or more<\/strong> publishing houses for aspiring authors.\u00a0<\/li> <\/ul>  <\/div> \t\t<\/div> <\/div>   <ul class=\"wp-block-list\"> <li><a href=\"https:\/\/docs.google.com\/spreadsheets\/d\/1DAez0eoaXqlbpkyhL553MwV4C0eEHQeRndj6mexkXWs\/edit#gid=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">High-resolution images of cities<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/best-cities-for-book-lovers-1ho16vom8pne84n\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2022\u2019s Best Cities for Book Lovers ranking results<\/a><\/li>    <li><a href=\"https:\/\/infogram.com\/ranking-table-2023s-best-cities-for-book-lovers-1h7j4dvr8vmn94n\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">2023\u2019s Best Cities for Book Lovers ranking results<\/a><\/li> <\/ul>    <p class=\"has-small-font-size wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Main photo credit:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/photos\/woman-reading-a-book-while-sitting-on-black-leather-3-seat-couch-hPKTYwJ4FUo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Seven Shooter<\/a> | Unsplash | <a href=\"https:\/\/unsplash.com\/license\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Unsplash License<\/a><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Which U.S. cities offer the most bookstores, libraries, and other literary adventures? Read 2024\u2019s Best Cities for Book Lovers.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":22683,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"off","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[169],"tags":[348],"class_list":["post-6299","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-studies","tag-studies"],"acf":[],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/seven-shooter-hPKTYwJ4FUo-unsplash-1.png","author_info":{"display_name":"Sav Maive","author_link":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/author\/sav-maive\/"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6299","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/16"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6299"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6299\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22683"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6299"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6299"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lawnlove.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6299"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}