Summertime and the reading’s easy — especially in NYC.
With a plethora of independent and specialized bookstores, fantastic libraries, and the occasional Little Free Library, we literary-minded folks have plenty of opportunities to stock our shelves. And according to a recent Secret NYC poll, book clubs have been the go-to activity of the season.
“Books help enrich our understanding of the world and are a great antidote to loneliness, so it comes as no surprise that book clubs are so popular this summer,” said Brian Bannon, the Merryl and James Tisch Director of Branch Libraries and Education at The New York Public Library. “Libraries and book clubs are the answer for so many people looking to engage more deeply with the world and with each other.”
With that in mind, how will you embrace NYC’s favorite summer pastime?
A deep dive into the Secret NYC poll
While of course no summer in NYC is complete without the obligatory trip to Coney Island and sunny afternoon at Rockaway Beach, we wanted insight on specifics: what activity are people particularly drawn to this year?
We divvied up our poll into four selections: pickle ball, paddle ball, book clubs, and running clubs. Out of 551 responses, a total of 39% opted for something to read. Pickleball followed at 32%, run clubs at 21%, and paddle ball at only 9%.
“I think people have more time to enjoy reading during the summer, whether on vacation, or laying on the beach, or by the pool,” said Lauren Komer, co-owner of the forthcoming Twisted Spine, NYC’s first horror bookstore. “Unfortunately, with summer temperatures getting hotter and hotter, the physical activities aren’t as enjoyable as they used to be — especially in a group setting!”
Plus, Leah Koch, co-owner of The Ripped Bodice, claims it’s a nice way to kick back and lay low.
“Book clubs let you sink into a great story and come up for air to talk about it with people who get it. Compared to something like pickleball, there’s no competition — just community,” she said.
Whether reading and discussing a story outside in the park or in your BFF’s apartment, one thing remains the same — literary discussions are always engaging.
“There are few things better than getting lost in a book during the long light-filled days of summer,” said Librarian Benjamin Perry, manager of Brooklyn Public Library’s summer reading programs. “Books can help you understand the world around you or help you forget your troubles. In the pages of a book, you can escape to far-flung lands, meet interesting characters or embark on a heart stopping adventure.”
If you need us, we’ll be picking out our next read for August.