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Library-related news and special events for you and your family to enjoy. For a full list of events at your library visit our Library Calendar. Stay connected to your library by following us on social media: Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram.

For media queries, contact Marketing & Communications Director Sara Prohaska at sara.prohaska@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Library Now Offers Children’s Books in Chinese, Arabic, Urdu and Tamil*

November 19, 2019

The new books are part of a special “World Languages Bags” collection. Worried about reading to children in your native language? Don’t be. It is easy for children to learn to read, write and speak English if they have a strong foundation in any language. For adults who may be more comfortable reading to children in Arabic, Chinese, Urdu or Tamil, the library offers World Languages Bags, a project funded by the Fairfax Library Foundation, Friends groups and other community donations. These bags are available with picture books, board books and easy readers. Each bag contains eight books that adults can read again and again to and with children. The library’s collection already supports children and adult books in Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese. “The library is committed to ensuring residents in Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax have equitable access to library materials,” said Dianne Coan, Director of Operations for the library. “By starting with early literacy materials, including bi-lingual books, the new World Languages Bags support parents, grandparents and caregivers who want to read to young children — a proven strategy for ensuring children are ready to read by the time they enter kindergarten.” The World Languages Bags are one more element in the library’s comprehensive support of early literacy education. In addition to its popular early literacy storytimes the library offers early literacy outreach, the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program, picture books and other educational books and resources — including the Ready-to-Read newsletter — for families raising young children. The library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten program encourages families to read 1,000 books to children before they start elementary school. Studies show the more vocabulary and oral language children have, the better prepared they are to learn how to read and write when they enter kindergarten. Instructions for placing a hold on the World Languages Bags in the library’s new catalog: Type in “picture book bag” on the search bar next to “Keyword search” at the top of the page. Then click the search icon. The picture books will populate the page. Choose the language you are interested in under “subjects” on the left side of the screen. Select “PLACE HOLD” to the right of the picture book bag you want. Follow the directions to enter your user information, password and the library branch where you’d like to pick up the book bag. If you need additional assistance, please ask at the library information desk where staff are happy to connect you with the World Languages Bags in your preferred language. *As of January 2024, Fairfax County Public Library has added Nepali to the World Languages Bags collection.

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'Tis the Season to Get Crafty with Library Activities for All Ages

November 8, 2019

Warm Up to Crafts in November and December As the temperatures outside drop, head to your library for fun indoor activities to keep your hands warm and your creativity flowing — and maybe even DIY a few gifts to start crossing names off your holiday shopping list! From social gatherings and jewelry making to DIY wrapping paper, ornaments and more, many branches have crafting projects and events for kids and adults alike taking place throughout the season. See the full, up-to-date list of events in the library calendar, and check out some crafting highlights below. Asterisk (*) indicates registration required. Learn, Make and Take Handcraft Club Open House Monday, November 18, 7 p.m. at Oakton Drop in anytime and bring your favorite handcrafting project or start a new one. Learn from other handcrafters about skills like crocheting, knitting, weaving, and jewelry making. Beginners welcome. Teens-adults. Make and Take* Wednesdays, Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, 5 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 23, 2:30 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Reuse materials and craft supplies to make your own unique masterpiece. Age 6-12. Let's Fly Away!* Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 p.m. at Sherwood Make some paper airplanes and learn about flying. Grades 4-8. Make Your Own Pet Rock Wednesday, November 20, 4:30 p.m. at George Mason Regional Transform an ordinary rock into a book character like Dog Man or Harry Potter, or make a one-of-a-kind pet. Supplies provided. Ages 6-12. Treat Yo'Self 101: DIY Lip Balm* Friday, November 22, 5 p.m. at Sherwood As part of the teen Treat Yo'Self 101 series, you'll learn how to make your own lip balm using a few simple ingredients and a microwave. Grades 7-12. Saturday Crafterday: Marimo Moss Jars Saturday, November 23, 2 p.m. at John Marshall Make your own terrarium with Marimo moss (while supplies last). Adults and teens. Crafternoon Wednesday, November 27, 3 p.m. at Patrick Henry Don't spend your day off from school moping around at home — head to the library to make crafts galore. We'll provide the supplies and space, you provide the creativity. All ages. Handcraft Club Speaker Series: Toothbrush Rug Braiding Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Learn the art of making a Toothbrush Rug using an old Scandinavian technique. Feel free to bring your own lightweight fabric and scissors or use what we have available. The fabric will be torn into 1-inch strips and pieced together and you will leave with coaster. Adults. Passport to Fun* Friday, December 6, 4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Travel the world exploring different languages and cultures through crafts and games with the Chantilly High School Language Honor Societies. Grades 1-6. Crafternoon Saturday, December 7, 2:30 p.m. at Dolley Madison Make and take a unique statement necklace that is as fun to make as it is to wear. Space is limited. Adults and teens. Make a Gift with Perler Beads Saturday, December 7, 2:30 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Create key chains and magnets of your own design out of Perler beads. Teens. Pottery with Clay Cafe Studios* Saturday, December 7, 2:30 p.m. at George Mason Regional Make a mug for yourself or as a gift in this pottery workshop by Clay Cafe Studios. Kids will be given a 30-ounce mug that they can decorate. Grades 3-6. Jewelry Making* Monday, December 9, 7 p.m. at Reston Regional Tania Ebrahimian will teach the basics of jewelry making and participants will create an original piece in this hands-on workshop. The library will provide the materials. Adults. Saturday Crafterday: Paper Circuit Cards Saturday, December 21, 2 p.m. at John Marshall Make your own light-up card with copper tape and LED lights. Supplies provided. Adults and teens. Stories and Crafts PJ Library Book Buddies* Wednesdays, Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, 10:30 a.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Enjoy storybooks and crafts about Jewish holidays and values. Cosponsored by PJ Library and Growing Jewish Families of the JCC of Northern Virginia. Age 6 months to 5 years with adult. The Snow Queen Celebration Saturday, November 16, 2 p.m. at Pohick Regional Celebrate Hans Christian Anderson's epic tale, "The Snow Queen" — the inspiration for many frozen princesses and snowmen — with storytelling, treats, crafts and games. Costumes encouraged. All ages. Stories and More* Tuesdays, Nov. 19, Dec. 3 and Dec. 17, 10:30 a.m., at Martha Washington Fun with stories, crafts and activities for preschoolers. Age 3-5 with adult. Toddler Storytime Tuesday, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10, 10:30 a.m. at Woodrow Wilson An interactive storytime for toddlers with songs and a craft. Age 18 months to 3 years with adult. Pajama Party Storytime Tuesday, November 26, 6:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Wear your pajamas, listen to bedtime stories and make a simple craft. All ages. PJ Library Book Buddies Storytime* Thursday, December 5, 10:30 a.m. at Chantilly Regional Enjoy stories and fun with movement and crafts that relate to Jewish culture traditions and holidays. Age 2.5 to 5 with caregiver. Siblings welcome. Hang Out and Create Maker Table During open hours at Chantilly Regional Create, Invent and Learn: Visit the Maker Table behind the Information Desk for self-directed projects that change each month. STEAM activities often included. Supplies provided. All ages. Teen Chill Zone Thursday, November 21, 3:30 p.m. at Centreville Regional Take a break from homework and hang out at the library. Grab a snack, try some relaxing crafts and activities and chat with other teens. Grades 7-12. Teen Chill Zone: Virtual Reality Thursday, November 21, 4:30 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Feeling stressed out? Take a break at the library! This month there will be Virtual Reality and Google Cardboard sets available to play around on, plus the usual board games, relaxing crafty activities and snacks. Come with a friend, or meet some new ones. Grades 7-12. Craft and Chat Thursdays, Nov. 21 and Dec. 19, 7 p.m. at Kings Park Work on your favorite craft or try out a new one in a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. Refreshments served. Adults. Teen Chill Zone Fridays, Nov. 22 and Dec. 20, 4:30 p.m. at City of Fairfax Regional Head to the library to hang out, play games or do a craft activity. Age 13-18. Celebrate the Season Adult Holiday Craft Event: Book Folding* Saturday, November 23, 1:30 p.m. at Herndon Fortnightly Make and take a tree or heart using donated books; they're perfect for a holiday decorating. Adults. Family Winter Wonderland Saturday, December 7, 11:00 a.m. at Lorton Celebrate the start of winter with winter-themed crafts and games. Light refreshments provided. All ages. Holiday Open House Saturday, December 7, 1-4 p.m. at Great Falls Enjoy festive musical performances by the Langley High School Madrigals, crafts for kids and adults, holiday games and seasonal treats. All ages. Adult Craft Night: Light Up Holiday Cards* Thursday, December 12, 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Create a unique holiday card that lights up. All supplies provided. Adults. Wheel of the Year: Yule Saturday, December 14, 3 p.m. at John Marshall It's the shortest day and longest night. Make a craft with us to celebrate the yuletide. Supplies provided. Adults. Noon Years Eve Party Tuesday, December 31, 11 a.m. at Kingstowne Celebrate the New Year with arts and crafts and a countdown to noon. All ages. Holiday Bookmarks Tuesdays, December 3 and 10, 7 p.m. at Woodrow Wilson Make colorful, glittery, festive bookmarks, celebrating any holiday or event of your choice. All ages. DIY: Holiday Ornament Making Friday, December 6, 1 p.m. at Reston Regional Make and take home personalized holiday ornaments. All materials are provided. Adults. Holiday Gifts Make and Take Thursday, Dec. 12, 4:30 p.m., and Tuesday, Dec. 17, 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Make a gift for someone special or even for yourself. Ages 5-11 with Adult. Make Your Own Wrapping Paper Saturday, December 14, 10 a.m. at Thomas Jefferson Get artistic this year and create your own wrapping paper. Transform plain white butcher paper into personalized gift wrap using crayons, markers, stickers, glitter and more. All ages. Knitting Chantilly Knitting Club Tuesdays, Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, 7 p.m. at Chantilly Regional Bring your knitting or other crafting projects. Share tips and enjoy conversation. No formal instruction, but chances are someone in the group can teach you to knit, or help you when you get stuck on a project. Adults. Yarn-aholics Wednesday, December 4, 7 p.m. at George Mason Regional Calling all knitters and crocheters: join fellow yarn-aholics to discuss, learn and share ideas and projects. Teens and adults. Knitting Group for All Monday, December 9, 1 p.m. at Patrick Henry Bring your knitting projects, share tips and enjoy conversation. Adults. Twisted Stitchers Tuesday, December 10, 7 p.m. at Burke Centre Get together to knit, crochet, loom or craft while meeting new people. We make items for ourselves as well as items for donation to charity groups. Adults. Knit 2Gether Tuesday, December 17, 7 p.m. at Centreville Regional Bring your knitting projects, share tips and enjoy conversation. Adults. *Registration Required

ASRT National Radiologic Technology Week 2019 Poster

Fairfax County Public Library Receives $2,000 American Society of Radiologic Technologists Grant

October 24, 2019

The Fairfax County Public Library has received a $2,000 grant from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists to purchase books and educational materials on medical imaging and radiation therapy. The grant program is part of National Radiologic Technology Week®, an annual event that recognizes the vital work of medical imaging and radiation therapy professionals across the nation. The celebration takes place each year during the week that includes Nov. 8 to commemorate the discovery of the x-ray by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen on Nov. 8, 1895. As part of the ASRT National Library Partnership grant program, five FCPL branches — Chantilly Regional, Kingstowne, Reston Regional, Sherwood Regional and Thomas Jefferson — will join hundreds of libraries across the United States in presenting book displays related to the radiologic sciences, medical imaging, radiation therapy and the pioneers of radiologic technology during National Radiologic Technology Week, Nov. 3-9, 2019. The $2,000 grant provided a much-needed supplement to this section of the library’s collection, and the participating branches will highlight the grant-funded materials — including new titles and added copies ranging from children’s books about MRIs, x-rays and Marie Curie to adult reads on cancer, the Radium Girls and Nikola Tesla — in their displays. In addition to educating the public about radiologic technologists’ important role on the health care team, patient safety measures and the science behind medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures, these added items will provide a valuable resource for local students of medicine and radiologic science. ASRT is the world’s largest radiologic science organization, representing more than 156,000 radiologic technologists, the professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. Use #ASRTLovesLibraries to follow their National Library Partnership efforts and see the National Radiologic Technology Week displays on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Search “radiology” in the library catalog to discover all the items in our collection focused on this topic, and be sure to stop by the Chantilly Regional, Kingstowne, Reston Regional, Sherwood Regional and Thomas Jefferson libraries during November 3-9 to interact with their exciting exhibits.

Writers at the Ready for National Novel Writing Month at Fairfax County Public Library

October 22, 2019

Take Part in Writing Contests, Tutorials, Discussion Groups and More at Your Library in November November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) It’s that time of year again, for leaf raking, pumpkin-y baking, apple picking… and novel writing, of course! Each year during National Novel Writing Month — better known as NaNoWriMo — more than 300,000 writers around the world sign up for the challenge of writing a 50,000-word first draft of a novel in only 30 days. NaNoWriMo is an internet-based creative writing project with a fun and fast-paced approach. It’s free and open to anyone over the age of 13—with a Young Writers Program also available to young writers 17 and under. To learn more and sign up, visit nanowrimo.org. Celebrate at Your Library Whether you’ve got a story stewing inside you or are searching for a spark of inspiration, whether you’re a seasoned creative writer looking for a motivation boost or new to the craft and in need of a kick-start, November is the perfect time head to your library for programs and events in support of your writing goals. While all of our local branches are always open for you to come in and write, the library has a variety of programs scheduled throughout the month to celebrate NaNoWriMo. Take a look at some of the highlights below, and search the events calendar for more dates, branches and activities. Then, bring your favorite notepad or laptop, or use one of the library's public computers to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard for your project. NaNoWriMo Kick-Off and Contest Get an early jump on the fun at the NaNoWriMo Kickoff Party at City of Fairfax Regional Library on October 26. Meet your fellow novelists, discuss strategies for writing 50,000 words in 30 days and enjoying refreshments while you get ready to write. Then, join Sherwood Regional Library for their very own National Novel Writing Month contest. Participants will write and submit a short story of at least 15 pages in length by November 30. One adult and one teen will win grand prizes! Need help getting started? Attend the Short Story Basics Writer’s Workshop at Sherwood on November 3 at 2 p.m. The workshop will focus on the basic structures of the short story while incorporating short exercises designed to get your creative juices flowing. If you’ve already written the next great American short story and want to share it with the world (or if you spend November writing and end up with something special), don’t miss Sherwood’s How to Get Your Short Story Published workshop on November 30 at 4 p.m. This program will discuss the etiquette of contacting publishers and how to find the right home for your piece. Join a Writers’ Group In addition to our NaNoWriMo events, the library has writers’ groups that meet regularly throughout the year, including the November dates below. Check the events calendar for all writers’ groups, dates and times. Writers of Chantilly Chantilly Regional Library | November 5 and 25 | 6:30 p.m. A diverse group of published and aspiring writers transforms words and thoughts into creative stories to share with each other for thoughtful discussion, positive direction and maximum impact. New members are always welcomed. Pohick Writers’ Roundtable Pohick Regional Library | November 6 | 7 p.m. Discuss your work with other writers. Springfield Writers’ Group Richard Byrd Library | November 7 and 21 | 7 p.m. Focuses primarily on fiction and creative non-fiction, but poets are encouraged to share their work, too. Though it is not mandatory, writers are encouraged to bring a 1-5 pp. long piece to read aloud. Group will provide general feedback, focusing on flow, plot holes, character development, grammar, punctuation, or whatever the writer wants as a focus. For a more in-depth critique, some members might be available to proofread or copyedit entire manuscript. Writers of all skill levels are welcomed. One-on-One Writing Tutoring Still working on getting that writing process down pat, or not ready to share your work with peers yet? Sign up for one-on-one research and writing tutoring sessions at George Mason Regional Library. During NaNoWriMo, 50-minute sessions are available on November 1, 5, 9, 16 and 26. High school to adult writers can learn tips to improve your research and writing processes and work on your current project, including academic papers and other essays, test prep, cover letters, creative writing, brainstorming and citations. Please register online in advance and bring a copy of your work to the session. Get Ready, Get Set, Write! Whether or not you meet the 50,000 words goal by the end of November, mark the close of National Novel Writing Month with a celebration at City of Fairfax Regional Library on December 1 at 2 p.m. But first, here's some tips from the experts to help demystify the writing and publishing processes, so the daunting thought of 50,000 words doesn’t leave you staring straight at a writer's block. Plus, visit our online research guide for style guides and resources for writers, and find books about creative writing in the library catalog. And now... let the brainstorming begin!

A New Library Catalog is Coming!

September 29, 2019

Prepare for a better, more user-friendly experience. This November, Fairfax County Public Library is launching Polaris, a new catalog, to help you discover our collection of more than 2.3 million books, eBooks, audiobooks, eAudiobooks, movies and more. The new catalog will feature a more user-friendly experience with an updated design, plus: Smarter, faster and more intuitive searching. Account customization, including the abilities to log in with a unique username of your choice instead of your library card number and to choose text notifications. Auto-renewal, up to three times, of physical items borrowed from the library. Access to a wish list to save items to borrow later. The catalog will be available in Korean and Spanish, as well as English. Please pardon our (digital) dust as we make this upgrade. Here’s what you need to know: The new catalog will launch Wednesday, November 13. On Tuesday, November 12, all Fairfax County Public Library branches will be closed for the transition to the new catalog. The old catalog will not be available between November 7 and November 12. Between October 28 and November 12, customers will not be able to put books on hold, but they can pick up holds placed earlier and check out materials. During this transition period, no fees will be charged, and due dates will be automatically extended. You may notice a reduced number of books in the library’s Wowbrary newsletter. For more information, visit the new catalog information page, talk to staff in a library branch, email librarycatalog@fairfaxcounty.gov or watch a short video about the new catalog (also available in Spanish and Korean). We’ll also keep you updated on our website and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram as we approach the launch date, so be sure to follow us and stay tuned. Thank you for your patience as we work to bring you a more modern, convenient catalog. We can’t wait to share it with you!

How Can the Library Help Teens with Mental Health?

September 9, 2019

Republished from Branch Out, Fall 2019. Connect with stories, resources and support for mental health in our branches. Your Library is a Safe Space If you’re a teen facing mental health challenges, you may feel as if you are alone—but you certainly are not. The National Alliance on Mental Illness reports one in five, or 20%, of young people ages 13-18 are currently living with a mental health condition. Mental health conditions are not always obvious, they do not affect a specific “type” of person, and they manifest in very different ways from person to person. They include mood, behavior or conduct disorders, substance use, depression and anxiety—and the list goes on. Add to that the additional stress factors associated with being a teen, and it can be a recipe for major struggles. We understand that sometimes it is difficult to reach out if you have hard-to-ask questions, whether you have a mental health condition or are just going through some tough times. And while the internet has tons of resources for you to browse through, your search history isn’t always private. Another option is your local library where our librarians are master guardians of privacy. We tell no one and try to make the information we have easy for anyone to access. If you’re scared to talk to someone about a tough topic and need more information about it, come to us. We’re here to help. Books on Tough Topics (Don’t) Call Me Crazy: 33 Voices Start the Conversation about Mental Health Edited by Kelly Jensen Edited by a former librarian who is passionate about writing for teen audiences, (Don’t) Call Me Crazy is a compilation of 33 essays that tell diverse stories about people, just like you and me, who have struggled with or just plain lived with some kind of mental health condition. Vibrant with graphics and art, this book illustrates truthful portrayals of people who are standing strong. Med Head: My Knock-down, Drag-out, Drugged-up Battle with My Brain As told by James Patterson and Hal Friedman Read the harrowing and heroic true story of Cory Friedman, an ordinary teenager whose courage and determination to climb out of lifelong medical turmoil and personal suffering enabled him to ultimately survive and thrive against all odds. The Teenage Guy’s Survival Guide: The Real Deal on Going Out, Growing Up, and Other Guy Stuff By Jeremy Daldry Covering everything from dating, kissing and shaving to moods, peer pressure and bullying with irreverence and true understanding, this guide offers the real deal on everything you want to know—without giving you a nervous breakdown. Trans Teen Survival Guide Owl & Fox Fisher “Frank, friendly, and funny, the Trans Teen Survival Guide will inform, empower, and arm you with all the tips, confidence, and practical advice needed to navigate life as a trans teen. Wondering how to come out to your family and friends, what it’s like to go through cross-hormonal therapy, or how to put on a packer? Trans youth activists Owl and Fox have stepped in to answer everything that trans teens and their families need to know.” - Back cover. Locate Tough Topics on the Shelves Abuse.............................362.76 Abusive Relationships....362.8292 Alcohol...........................362.292, 613.81 Anxiety...........................152.46, 155.5, 616.8522 Body Changes...............612.6, 613.042, 613.0433 Depression.....................616.85, 616.8526 Divorce..........................306.89 Drugs.............................362.29, 613.8 Eating Disorders............616.85, 616.8526 Health & Hygiene..........613, 613.042 LGBTQ.....................306.76 Pregnancy................306.874 Rape........................362.883 Relationships...........306.73, 646.77 Self-Esteem.............158.1, 305.235 Sex...........................613.9, 613.9071 Skin Care.................616.5, 646.726 STDs........................616.95 Suicide.....................362.28, 616.85 Facing Tough Stuff? The library’s online guide for teens answers those hard-to-ask questions. Being a teen can be hard and they often have questions about themselves and the world around them that can be awkward or uncomfortable to ask. Access to information and resources from sources they can trust is key. Whether in crisis or just curious, teens have 24/7 access to our Tough Stuff online resource page with a list of local, regional and national organizations and a plethora of information about mental, physical and sexual heath as well as relationships, abuse and violence. Access the Stuff for Teens guide at research.fairfaxcounty.gov/teens. If you’re in crisis, text 741741 from anywhere in the U.S. to text with a trained Crisis Counselor. If you or someone you care about may be at risk of suicide, reach out to a 24/7 resource: Call CSB Emergency Services at 703-573-5679; Text “CONNECT” to 855-11 to contact PRS CrisisLink; Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077.

Branch Out for Brain Health: Read the Library's New Quarterly Magazine

August 28, 2019

Introducing Branch Out Magazine Now available in library branches and other public Fairfax County Government locations throughout the county, the library’s first ever quarterly publication is designed to help community members make the most of Fairfax County Public Library (FCPL) resources and services. Each quarter will feature a unique theme through which library events, technology, collections, databases, activities and more can be discovered and explored. Full listings of branch events are available online and in each branch. The inaugural issue of Branch Out magazine — the fall 2019 issue covering September-November — focuses on the importance of brain health, containing a wealth of information about the many ways people can improve their cognitive fitness and how the library’s services and programs can support those efforts at every age. Keep reading for an introduction to the Branch Out: Brain Health content, then visit a library branch to pick up a copy of the magazine. What Are You Doing to Keep Your Brain Healthy? The library can connect you to activities and information for vibrant brain health. Take Control of Cognitive Fitness Our brains continuously change and develop throughout our lives. At no time do the brain and its functions just hold steady. With age and activity, some cognitive functions become weaker while others improve. And although the passing of years is out of our control, we can have some effect on how they impact our brain health. The inaugural issue of Branch Out looks at the many ways the library can play a major role in connecting you to the activities and information you need for vibrant brain health — from things you can do now to lower the risk of cognitive loss as you age to starting children on the path to a healthy brain and much more. A Good Start in Life By the time children are six years old, their brains have already reached about 90% of adult size, according to the National Institutes of Health. To give infants’ and children’s brains a good start in life during this critical period of growth, there are four things you can provide: Responsive, nurturing, positive experiences. Fun activities. Nutritious food. Active engagement with the world around them (and less screen time, as recent studies have shown). Library resources and programs can support children of all ages. For more information about children and teen programming and resources that support brain health, read pages 3, 5 and 9 in the magazine. Exercising Your Brain Like all muscles, the brain requires regular use and stimulating activity to stay fit, and reading is good exercise for brains at all ages. In a study published in September 2012 by the Stanford Report, Stanford researchers discovered that blood flow in the brain increased during a close reading of Jane Austen’s books and determined that “paying attention to literary texts requires the coordination of multiple complex cognitive functions.” Other types of reading increased blood flow in different areas of the brain, and researchers suggested that each style of reading may create distinct patterns in the brain that are “far more complex than just work and play.” Mentally challenging activities like reading may also play a role in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Studies suggest that engaging in activities you enjoy may help maintain well-being as you age, with lower rates of dementia found among people who staysocially active, according to the National Institute on Aging. Aerobics and weight training are known to have benefits for brain function, but mind-body activities such as yoga and tai chi seem to have cognitive benefits as well. Researchers have also found that the brains of long-term meditators, at age 50, were an estimated seven and half years younger than the brains of non-long-term meditators at age 50. In that 2016 study, Eileen Luders, Nicolas Cherbuin and Christian Gaser concluded that meditation may protect against age-related brain atrophy. The library can help with cognitive fitness in many ways. Learn more about them—as well as AARP’s five pillars of brain health—in the inaugural issue of Branch Out magazine.

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