We asked top readers from past years to share their perspective, advice, and a few reading recommendations! Here's a few highlights from ashewert, one of our children's librarians.

If you were a top reader in past years, remember to check your email for an interview invite! If we pick your interview next, you’ll win a voucher for a free small prize.

What is your favorite reading location or situation?

My ideal reading spot is curled up in my home library—or my sunroom—with a steaming cup of tea in hand first thing in the morning. Bonus points if there’s a thunderstorm outside. There is just something serene about reading while rain pounds against the metal roof, wrapped up in a blanket.. Honestly, if I could schedule all my reading sessions to coincide with thunderstorms, I absolutely would.

Do you have any special reading habits or rituals?

Every morning, before I do anything remotely productive, I read for the first 30 minutes of my day. Well… that’s the plan. If I’m close to finishing a chapter (or, let’s be honest, the entire book), those 30 minutes mysteriously turn into more because I refuse to stop mid-chapter. Reading is the perfect way to wake up my brain, ease into the day, and avoid immediately scrolling on my phone.

What advice would you give to someone trying to read more?

My number one reading tip is always have a book within arm’s reach. Purse? Book. Car? Book. Phone? Ebook and audiobook. You never know when you’ll get an unexpected pocket of reading time waiting for an oil change or in line at the bank. I also firmly believe that almost every chore/task is improved by an audiobook. Walking? Audiobook. Doing a jigsaw puzzle? Audiobook. Crafting? Audiobook. Unloading the dishwasher? Believe it or not… audiobook. If my hands are busy, my ears are probably listening to fictional characters. Graphic Novels are also a great way to increase your reading volume and I find them to be somewhat of a palate cleanser after reading a fiction book.

How do you usually find your next read?

Working at the library means I’m never in danger of running out of books to read. Between recommendations from patrons, coworkers enthusiastically handing me “just one more book,” and seeing all the shiny new releases arrive, my self-control doesn’t stand a chance. I find people you know usually have good recommendations!

Have you ever read something outside your usual genre that you loved? What was it? What did you love about it?

I recently read Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir, which is absolutely not the kind of book I would normally grab off the shelf. But after hearing all the rave reviews (and knowing the movie was coming out), I decided to see what all the hype was about—and I’m so glad I did. Somehow, this giant book managed to teach me about science, make me think deeply about life on Earth, and get me completely attached to the characters. I can’t wait to see the movie!

Do you read physical books, ebooks, audiobooks, or a mix?

I mainly read physical books and listen to audiobooks. I used to be one of those people who thought, “Audiobooks don’t really count as reading.” Turns out, listening to someone brings a story to life. Especially those read by the author. My eyes may not be on the page, but my brain is still fully invested (and occasionally yelling at fictional characters).

Has a book ever changed your perspective on something? What book was it, and how did it change your thinking?

The Measure and The Poppy Fields by Nikki Erlick are the kind of books that make you casually close the cover and stare into space for a while. Both had me thinking deeply about life, our purpose, and what might happen after we leave this world.

Please recommend a few of your favorite books or authors!

I will read anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid because, in my book, she can do no wrong. At this point, if she wrote a grocery list, I’d probably add it to my TBR. She has a way of creating characters that feel so real and full of emotion. Jodi Picoult is another favorite because the amount of research she puts into her books is incredible. I always finish one of her novels feeling like I accidentally signed up for a history lesson—but in the best way possible. She somehow makes me want to learn about topics and time periods I never would have searched for on my own.