Read Anywhere This Summer – The New York Times

Support your eyes

Before spending hours reading on vacation this summer, make sure your eyes are healthy. Don’t ignore headaches or eyestrain while reading, Dr. Brodie said. Get your eyes checked, especially if you’re over 40 or if you notice blurry text. Another clue: if you’re holding a book farther and farther away to read it. “People say their arms are getting shorter,” he said. Have a doctor determine your prescription, and then pick up a cheap pair of reading glasses at the pharmacy. “They’re actually quite well made,” Dr. Brodie said.

If you need a stronger prescription, check out our guide to the best places to buy glasses online. If you’re heading to the beach, bring cheap sunglasses you won’t mind losing (We have has recommendations for those, too). Dr. Brodie also recommended taking reading breaks every hour or so to rest your eyes.

Make it a habit

If you’re on vacation, give your smartphone a break to develop concentration. Maryanne Wolf, author of “Reader Come Home: The Reading Brain in a Digital World,” said that skimming screens has become the main form of reading, and people don’t always notice the impact. She told us that even she didn’t realize it was affecting her focus until she tried to reread a favorite old book. “I was no longer able to immerse myself.”

To fix this, Dr. Wolf made reading a habit: She read for 20 minutes every day, and after 10 days her focus improved. She also recommends avoiding screens first thing in the morning and right before bed. Limit screen use for kids under 5; allow it in moderation for kids 5 and up. There’s no need to ban screens completely, Dr. Wolf said — kids will just want the technology even more.

To nurture better reading habits, keep it consistent but fun. Judson Brewer, director of research and innovation at Brown University’s Mindfulness Center, said, “If you’re bored with what you’re reading, no amount of dedicated time will make you a more committed reader.” With kids, read as a family — they need to see you with books to become readers themselves. When you’re traveling this summer, plan a reading night with takeout and treats, whether you’re with family or friends.

Use your library

Your local library is still the best resource for reading. Many libraries run summer reading programs for both kids and adults (with prizes!) or offer activities such as games, performers, and author visits. Your library card probably gives you access to Libby, an app that lets you check out free e-books and audiobooks, place holds, and read samples. You can also usually use your library’s website to place holds for pickup or download.

Lynn Lobash, associate director of Reader Services at The New York Public Library, said to talk to a librarian for ideas on what to read — it’s their job to know books. Even if you don’t belong to The New York Public Library, you can still take advantage of its list of resources to find something to read, including personalized recommendations.

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A version of this article appears at Wirecutter.com.