Did you know you can check out books from any of UNC’s libraries even if you’re not enrolled in summer classes? I didn’t; at least, I didn’t know when I first decided to stay in Chapel Hill this summer. While I may not be the most well-informed Tar Heel around, I’m really happy that even though I’m not taking classes in either summer sessions, I can still go to Davis and fill my arms with great books.
During the academic year, I have no time to pleasure read. Although I’m an English major, and partly became one for the simplest reason being that I love reading, I don’t have a huge amount of spare time to pick up a book that interests me outside of my classes. Required reading is usually heavy handed. I often find myself yearning for summer days when I can come home from work and pick up a book. My workload during the school year doesn’t accommodate my wayward desires to read more, outside of my syllabi. While I can’t complain that a big part of my major is getting to read great books, sometimes I miss being able to choose the books I get to read. Summer is my vacation for a lot of reasons; one being free will in book choice.
When I decided to stay in Chapel Hill for the summer, I packed up a bunch of my favorite books from home, along with a few bucket list reads (I’m looking at you, “Moby Dick”). I prepared myself for a summer of good reads; however, I’m a speed reader and knew the books I brought to my house in Carrboro might not last me through the summer. Little did I know, the three lovely libraries here on campus are still at my disposal. I hurried over to Davis a few weeks ago and checked out four titles that will last me through their due date in July. Leaving Davis, I felt like a greedy kid walking out of Toys ‘R’ Us with bags of shiny new things. Since then, I’ve returned a few and checked out more. I have to admit, I’m greedy. But I’m taking advantage of what UNC has to give me this summer: a lot of free time and a lot of books.
Summer student or not, you should make a summer reading list for yourself. Be ambitious; put an epic like “East of Eden” on your list. Balance it with some Cheryl Strayed or Mindy Kaling. Skimmed a book last semester you wanted to spend more time with? Now’s the time to re-read. Take a leisurely stroll through the eighth floor of Davis. Pick up an old, tattered copy of “Brideshead Revisited.” There is some great poetry around PS3608. Pull a few titles and take a seat. Head to Weaver and find a shady tree to sit under. Our libraries are one of the most magnificent things about UNC; let summer reading remind you there is such a thing as non-textbook pleasure reading.
